Knitting pattern - Dreamaway poncho

 If you've been following me for some time, you know how much I love cable knitting and creating various styles of ponchos for my daughters. This autumn, I've crafted another comfortable poncho design for children – the Dreamaway Poncho. Let's take a closer look!

Design overview

Unlike my other poncho designs, typically knitted with quite thick yarn, the Dreamaway Poncho is made with DK weight yarn in a beautiful grey color. The front and back of the poncho are decorated with a stunning cable combination, divided by columns of slipped stitches. Additionally, there's a combination of textured stitches on both sides of the cable panels.

The front and back are joined with four wooden buttons. The design features include dropped shoulders, a wide asymmetrical collar, and an inverse trapezium silhouette.

Yarn choice

The poncho is knitted with Drops Lima from Garnstudio, which is lovely budget friendly pure wool yarn widely available around the world. The yarn comes in many beautiful neutral shades as well as bright vibrant colours. It is quite warm yet a bit itchy if worn next to skin. However, it is great for vests and ponchos, which are normally, make a second or third layer of an outfit. 

For more yarn ideas please see some projects created by my test knitting team on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreamaway-poncho/people

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho comes in wide range of sizes from 2-3 years through 14-16 years. Knitting pattern has both cable charts with row-by-row instructions, size diagram and explanation. 

Knitting pattern for Dreamaway poncho is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrats.

Exclusive promo code for blog readers on Ravelry: get 15% off with code BLOG15 Offer valid until 26th of November 2023.

Other poncho designs with cables.

If you love knitting cables as much as I do, you might be interested in some other designs of mine. 

Saunter Poncho:

This stylish poncho is knitted with worsted weight yarn and has a big comfortable hood for extra warmth and comfort. The front of the poncho is decorated with beautiful yet simple cables combo, the back and sleeves are knitted in simple stockinette.

You can read more about this project here.

Knitting pattern for Saunter poncho can be found on Ravelry and Lovecraft

Cable Fantasy poncho:

Cable Fantasy poncho is timeless design! Without a doubt it is one of my greatest designs! Complicated cable at front balanced with easy to knit moss stitch. This poncho will last years, as it looks great even as a vest when your child gets bigger. 

Read more about Cable Fantasy poncho here.

Pattern on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

Magic Leaves Poncho: 

It is great project for those who love seamless knits with a bit of interest! Magic Leaves poncho is knitted as one piece starting from the bottom of front and it has no seams at all. Beautiful Leaves motif combined with easy to knit tiny cables cables at front and beautiful twisted rib stitch along all edges. Sides of poncho are decorated with wooden buttons for even more stylish and unique look.

Read more about Magic Leaves poncho here

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Yarn review - Samite from Blacker Yarns

I recently received a parcel from Blacker Yarns containing their new Special Blend Knitting yarn – Samite. This yarn, Samite, was created to celebrate Blacker Yarns' 15th anniversary in the market.

I've been a fan of Blacker Yarns for a few years now and have used their products to create numerous designs for both children and adults. I even had the opportunity to visit their team in June this year, which you can read about in my post.

So, I was thrilled to try this new addition and experiment with different stitches, comparing it to their existing products. Let's take a closer look at these lovely skeins and explore what we can knit with them.

Yarn story

The story behind Samite yarn is a tribute to Cornwall, celebrating the county's connection to the Arthurian legends in local folklore and literature. In the Middle Ages, Samite was known as a luxurious and heavy silk fabric.

Blacker Yarns' Samite range is crafted from a blend of 15% recycled silk, smooth drapey Blue Faced Leicester, and the airy froth of Shetland wool. This unique combination of pale and dark fibers results in a yarn with rich colors and delicate silk nepps. Samite retains the characteristic bounce of Shetland wool and is more durable than the standard silk blend, making it perfect for colorwork, cables, and texture.

The yarn palette consists of eight colors, including one undyed and seven brightly dyed shades. All colors are named after characters from the legends of King Arthur: Merlin (Undyed), Lancelot, Guinevere, Uther Pendragon, Gawain (The Green Knight), Nimue (The Lady of the Lake), Galahad, and Morgan Le Fay.

Technical Information.

The Samite yarn is available in both fingering and DK weights, offering a total of eight beautiful shades. These colors provide endless possibilities for stunning colorwork projects. The range includes subtle heather tones like Uther Pendragon, Gawain, and Galahad, as well as vibrant options such as Lancelot, Morgan Le Fay, and Nimue. Additionally, there are natural blends like Merlin (undyed) and the taupe/brown shade Guinevere. What I particularly appreciate is how well each shade complements both natural colors and other shades within its own color family. Among my personal favorites are the two green hues and the bright shades: Lancelot, described as pink but closer to a muted beetroot color in my opinion, and Nimue, a vibrant pop of yellow that pairs beautifully with Galahad (dark navy colour).

Swatching:

I created three swatches using different techniques and two different needle sizes, all of which have been properly blocked.

1.         The first swatch, done in stockinette, was knit using 3.75 mm (US 5) knitting needles with a gauge of 19 stitches per 10cm/4 inches. I measured the size of the swatch before and after blocking, confirming that the fabric retains its size after washing, which is a fantastic characteristic.

2.         The second swatch features cables and was knit on 4 mm needles, a more common choice for DK weight yarn. The cables look neat and beautiful after blocking, making this yarn an excellent choice for Aran projects.

3.         My third swatch showcases twisted stitches, a technique I'm currently addicted to. I could not resist adding a garter stitch background (and moss stitch to my cable swatch, as you may have noticed) to some triangles. This swatch was also knit on 4mm needles.

 As you can see, the Samite blend performs wonderfully on all three swatches, resulting in a soft fabric with a slightly rustic appearance, thanks to the recycled silk and the yarn's subtly uneven colour.

I have not explored lacy stitches yet, as I am not particularly fond of lace knitting on 4mm needles with DK weight yarn. However, I am confident that Samite in 4-ply weight would be ideal for creating delicate and beautiful lace garments and accessories.

You can read more about the yarn and obtain it from Blacker Yarns website here.

Project Ideas with Samite:

Samite is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin. I thoroughly recommend it for various knitting projects, ranging from snug cozy hats to warm oversized sweaters. It's also an excellent choice for children's knits since it's non-itchy, creates a bouncy and flexible fabric, and maintains its quality after washing.

Here are a few of my designs that I would be delighted to reknit using the Samite blend:

1. Chainring Hat

Pattern is on Ravelry. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chainring-hat

2. Saunter Sweater

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-saunter-sweater

3. Saunter Poncho

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saunter-poncho

4. Cable Whisper Vest

Pattern is on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-whisper-vest

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Knitting pattern - Saunter sweater

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, we can feel the familiar excitement in the air – it's the beginning of a new knitting season!

I am happy to introduce you to my new sweater design that's sure to become your fall and winter wardrobe staple. Please welcome Saunter Sweater! 

Design overview

Saunter Sweater is comfortable oversized sweater which is knitted bottom up on straight needles.  Design features are dropped shoulder, boxy silhouette and long turtleneck collar. Front of sweater is decorated with beautiful cables combination. The sweater designed with positive ease of 10-13 cm/ 4 - 5⅛ inches

Yarn choice

Saunter sweater is knitted with Pure Shetland DK Coffee range yarn in shade Latte. This yarn is dedicated to love of coffee and made with Shetland fleece, the finest of all British Breed wools. It comes in 6 beautiful shades. The yarn is lovely to work with and creates soft drapery fabric, which is lovely to wear next to skin.

Knitting pattern

Knitting pattern for Saunter sweater comes in wide range of sizes from 18-24 months through 13-14 years. It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts. 

Knitting kits

Blacker Yarns launched the project kits for Saunter sweater which can be purchased from their website. Project kits come in a recyclable box and contain the set of yarn Pure Shetland DK Coffee Range and the pattern. 

Discount code

To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer 15% off the pattern with code COFFEE15 on Ravelry. Offer valid until 17th of September 2023.

Saunter Poncho 

There is also comfortable poncho in my collection, which is knitted with the same cables combo, raglan sleeves and the hood. You can read more about this poncho hear and find knitting patterns for it on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

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Saunter Poncho - pattern release

Winter is coming soon and will bring cold weather – no doubt! Therefore, it is time to knit a perfect comfortable poncho for your little and big kids. To help you with the pattern idea I am happy to share my new poncho design - Saunter Poncho.

This stylish poncho is knitted with worsted weight yarn and has a big comfortable hood for extra warmth and comfort. The front of the poncho is decorated with beautiful yet simple cables combo, the back and sleeves are knitted in simple stockinette.

Designed with raglan sleeves and plenty of positive ease, the poncho is decorated with wooden buttons, which are also used to hold front and back together. Additional shaping around the neck and from the back of the hood helps to keep away from wind and keep the hood in place.

The knitting pattern has both charts and row-by-row instructions and it is written for sizes from 2-3 years to 14-16 years

It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.  

Special offer: to celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer 15% off on Ravelry with code NEW15

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Love Locks sweater - Test Knit

 Happy knitting! I opened the test knit for my new knitted design – Love Locks Sweater.

This comfortable cabled sweater is knitted with Aran weight yarn on straight needles. Design features boxy silhouette, dropped shoulder and round neckband. The sweater is knitted with beautiful cable pattern all over which reminds the fence with love locks on.

The knitting pattern is written for sizes from XS to 3XL. It consists of both charts and row-by-row instructions for them.

My test knit is being running on Ravelry. For more information about the test knit and sign up please follow the link: Ravelry

The pattern is coming end of March 2022. 

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Adult Cable Fantasy Poncho - pattern release

Please welcome my new knitting design - Adult Cable Fantasy poncho!

This stylish comfortable garment is perfect for any wardrobe.  Designed with plenty of positive ease, the poncho shape is close to sweater and can be styled with many types of jeans/trousers. Short sleeves allow wearing this poncho under winter coats. 

Poncho knitted with Aran weight yarn on straight needles in four parts – front, back and sleeves. After all parts sewn together, the stitches picked up for neck and edge band which are then knitted in the round.

Poncho has pretty cable combination in front while back and sleeves are knitted in moss stitch only.

The pattern is written for sizes from S-M to 5XL and available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts

Links for children poncho:

Ravelry

Esty

Lovecraft

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Sweethood Sweater - pattern release

Happy knitting fellow crafters! I am so happy to share a very special knitting design with you today – Sweethood Sweater. 

This sweater design is the improved copy of the very first sweater, which I designed and knitted for myself when I was around 12 years old. It also was my very first finished project. Would you believe that my very first finished project was a sweater!? 

As my knitting skills were very limited at this age, the sweater did not have any cables at Front. There were five moss stitch panels in Front and Back divided by purl columns with slip stitches and the butterfly stitch around shoulders. The sweaters silhouette was pretty much the same with slightly longer length.

Those days I have decided to add beautiful cable motif in front of sweater as a symbol of my love to knitting, my kids who are my greatest inspiration and to my childhood as well.

Great thank you to my husband for the beautiful pattern name, which perfectly reflects the story behind this design.

Sweethood Sweater knitted with DK weight yarn Drops Karisma. 

The sweater features boxy shape with plenty of positive ease, dropped shoulders and round neck. Front and Back of sweater are knitted bottom up on straight needles. The sleeves are knitted top down so the length can be easily adjustable, the neck is knitted in the round on circular needles.

The pattern is written for sizes from 3-4 years to 15-16 years and consists of both row-by-row instructions and charts.  

It is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

To celebrate the pattern release I would like to offer 10% off on Ravelry with code SS10. Offer valid until 24th of September.

Also you can use my special promo codes on Ravelry for three and five patterns: 310 - to get 10% off for 3x patterns or 515 - to get 15% off for 5x patterns.

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