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Knitting pattern for lacy top – Flaxynet tee

10.7.23

Knitted top in simple lacy stitch is must have for any summer wardrobe. Moreover, what could be better than beautiful linen tee with relaxed fit and stylish look? I am happy to let you know that the knitting pattern for such garment is here – Flaxynet tee!

Design overview

Knitted with simple lacy stitch in linen yarn, the top has an oversized fit, providing a relaxed and comfortable feel. The dropped shoulders add a casual touch to the design. The deep V-neck adds a feminine and flattering element to the garment, while the boxy silhouette allows for freedom of movement and a relaxed, laid-back look. The front of the garment features a garter stitch panel in the centre, adding texture and visual interest to the tee. This panel transforms into the neckband after the neck shaping begins, creating a cohesive and well-finished design.


Yarn choice

Flaxynet tee can be knitted with any sport/5-ply weight yarn. However, for the summer season I would recommend choosing airy plant based materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo as well as their blends. 

My first sample is knitted with Antigone by De Rerum Natura in shade lin. It is French linen yarn, which is available online from the manufacturer as well as from some online stores. The yarn composed of ten strands of combed flax and it is well twisted. It creates smooth, silky and beautiful fabric.



The second top is knitted with Lithuanian linen in bright fuchsia shade by Midwinter Yarns. As it was my second sample, I decided not only knit it in bright not typical colour for my wardrobe but also experiment with yarn weigh. So, this yarn is heavy lace weight yarn which creates much thinner fabric but can be knitted with the same gauge as recommended for this top in the pattern. By the way, I always recommend checking your tension before starting knitting your new project. You can read more about checking knitting gauge here.


My other favourite summer yarns: 

1. Rico Essential cotton DK. It is one of the best cotton yarns I've used for children knits. It is not only budget friendly, but it has really big colours choice as well as many of them so bright and pretty.
2. Ricco Creative Cotton Aran. This yarn is very similar to the previous one, but it comes in Aran weights and great for summer tops (see below info for Talea tee)
3. Cascade Ultra Pima. It comes in 100g skeins and also great for baby knits 
4. Kind Cole Bamboo Cotton blend If you are looking for soft airy yarn, this one is a perfect choice! It creates  perfect summer fabric and would be great for many children and adult garments. It is budget friendly too. 
5. MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton which comes in Sport weight and would be perfect for both Flaxynet tee and Flaxynet sweater. The colour palette is not so big, but there are many beautiful pastel shades.

For more yarn ideas please see the projects from my test knitting team on Ravelry  - test knitters projects.

Sizes

Knitting pattern for Flaxynet tee is written for wide range of sizes starting from XS through 3XL for chests from 88 cm/ 34⅝ inches up to 157 cm/ 61¾ inches 

Knitting pattern and discount code

Pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer 15%off with code FL15

Recommended summer knits

A few stylish summer knits I recommend to make this summer

1. Flaxynet sweater. It is made with the same lacy stitch as Flaxynet tee and makes perfect summer sweater for any occasion. Pattern is on Ravelry and Lovecrafts

2. Glamrock tee is stylish summer top with lacy yoke and minimum shaping which can be completed in no time. Pattern on Ravelry and on Lovecrafts


3. Violet coast bolero for your little fashionistas. Pattern on Ravelry and on Lovecrafts

4. Talea tee. Pattern on Ravelry and on Lovecrafts



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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Visit To Blacker Yarns - mill, team and collaboration

20.6.23

Recently, while travelling around Cornwall, England, I had the fantastic opportunity and privilege to visit The Natural Fibre Company, a British Woollen Mill. I had the pleasure of meeting the Blacker Yarns Team and even enjoyed a private tour of the mill. It was a truly interesting and fantastic experience that I am delighted to share.

Tatsiana with Kamila and Ginni from Blacker Yarns Team
On the photo: Kamila, Tatsiana with daughter Sophie and Ginni

About company

The Natural Fibre Company is located in Launceston, Cornwall, in the southwest of England. They specialize in working with a wide range of fleeces, including wool, alpaca, mohair, as well as plant-based fibres like linen, bamboo, and nettle. They are the only company in the country that spins both types of yarns, woollen and worsted, under the same roof. Additionally, they provide services such as scouring, carding, woollen and worsted spinning, and finishing.

To learn more about The Natural Fibre Company and wool processing you can watch the video at the following link: 


For more information about the team, please follow the link

Company’s Values and Innovations

As a traditional British Mill, the company sources almost everything locally from the UK supporting small local businesses. All stages of production, starting from scouring to spinning of yarn made under one roof, which help to reduce the carbon footprint. The company is dedicated to recycling most of their waste, with only a minimal amount ending up in landfills.

In addition to producing high-quality fleece and yarn, The Natural Fibre Company provides advice to local businesses, collaborates with textile artists, and helps develop new products. 

Innovation and experimentation with different types of fibres in interesting and important part of business. They actively explore plant-based fibres and alternative materials to replace nylon and synthetic fibres in yarn compositions. This includes developing durable yarn blends using bamboo, Himalayan nettle, hemp, dog hair, and even human hair. 

Yarn Range

“We create the finest natural yarns for your dreams and inspiration...” – Blacker Yarns

Yarn skeins in DK and 4-ply weight, wool, linen.

Blacker Yarns specializes in producing a diverse range of yarns using fleece from various breeds of sheep, including some that are rare or unique. They offer a wide range of options, starting from undyed natural shades to vibrant and colourful varieties. They draw inspiration from different sources for their yarn collections. For instance, they have ranges influenced by tales and poetry, such as their "Folklore" line. Additionally, they have collections inspired by the beautiful nature of Cornwall, such as their "Woodland" range. Surprisingly, they even have a yarn called "Shetland Coffee range" that inspired by their love for coffee.

Visit to the Mill and meeting Blacker Yarns Team

As mentioned earlier, I had a fantastic opportunity to visit the Mill and meet the lovely Blacker Yarns Team. This small group of people shares a passion for their craft and a common goal of creating high-quality yarn. Supporting indie knitting and crochet designers, Blacker Yarns offer project kits for wide range of garments and accessories through their online store.

Huge thank you to Kamila, the Brand Manager, for making my visit possible! Her main responsibility is expanding the Blacker Yarns range of products, working closely with designers and customers as well as managing social media and blogging. During my visit, I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at a new yarn that will be released later this year. I am eagerly looking forward to it!

Tatsiana with Bekki and Kamila from Blacker Yarns Team
On the photo: Bekki, Tatsiana and Kamila

Beki, who accompanied me on the mill tour, is responsible for working with spinning customers and assisting them in developing new projects and products. She is also one of the team members involved in experimenting with new fibres. Beki showed me many interesting fibre combinations and samples.

Samples of yarn and swatches made with different yarns and fibres combinations, including dog and human hair

Have you ever heard of dog hair yarn before? I knew that some people try spinning yarn with their pets' hair and even knitting socks, but I had never seen it myself. Below is a photo of a skein made with a blend of 40% dog hair and 60% Blue Faced Leicester. It is lovely and soft, and the dog hair used was saved from groomers, preventing it from ending up in landfills.

Skein of Yarn wade with wool and dog hair

I am excited to try out this beautiful yarn and provide a review for you soon. It's truly thrilling!

Ginni not only assists with processing and preparing yarn orders but is also a talented knitter and knitting designer. You can appreciate her beautiful work by visiting her Instagram page and finding her designs on the Blacker Yarns website. One of her recent designs is the Shepherd hat, shoes, and mittens set, for which the project kit is available here.


Ryan is Spinning Team Leader and he is in charge of spinning of one of my favourite yarns, the Pure Shetland Coffee Range, which is available in both fingering and DK weight. I have recently designed a new unisex sweater for children and adults using the Pure Shetland DK yarn. The knitting pattern for this sweater will be released in autumn.

On the photo: Ryan, Tatsiana and Kamila

It was an interesting visit filled with valuable information, enjoyable conversations, and plans for future projects and collaborations. I will keep you updated with more news soon.

On the photo: New sweater design made with Shetland DK Coffee range, pattern coming soon

My designs and collaborations with Blacker Yarns

By the way, you can read about my knitting designs made with Blacker Yarns following the links below:

Adult Saunter Poncho

Female model in poncho knitted with cables in light grey, DK weight yarn

Cable Whisper Vest

Female model in hand knitted vest in shade Lavender, front and back has cables combination, side slits and textured ribbing, round neck

Chainring Hat

Girl and female model in matching knitted hats in light grey shades, made with cables combinations, child hat is made with short textured ribbing, female hat made with long folded brim.

Two girls modelling in matching boleros knitted in 4-ply yarn in light pink and light beige (undyed) shades in pretty lacy stitch.  One bolero has button closure, second is knitted with front tie

Knitting patterns for those designs are available  from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

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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Flaxynet Sweater - Pattern release

31.5.23

Introducing the Perfect Summer Layer - Flaxynet Sweater! 

Knitted in linen yarn, this lightweight and breezy piece is here to elevate your summer wardrobe with its comfort, versatility, and stylish design! 

The magic lies in the beautiful lacy stitch pattern, which adds an elegant touch to the overall design. Its simplicity makes it easy to memorize, allowing you to enjoy the rhythmic flow of your knitting needles as you create this stunning piece. Whether you are an experienced knitter or just starting out, this pattern is a joy to work on!

Sweater designed with oversized silhouette, giving you that trendy and relaxed look. The deep V-neck adds a touch of femininity and sophistication, making it a versatile piece that seamlessly transitions from casual daytime adventures to enchanting summer evenings. Layer it over your favourite summer tops or dresses for a chic and cozy look, or wear even over swimsuit while strolling along the beach!


This sample showcases the beauty of linen yarn, but rest assured that this sweater can be equally stunning when knitted with other yarn options such as cotton, bamboo, or even wool. The versatility of the design allows for seamless adaptation to different fiber choices, ensuring that the finished garment will exude charm and style regardless of the yarn selected. So feel free to explore various fiber options and unleash your creativity to create a personalized version of this beautiful sweater.

Knitting pattern is written for wide range sizes with chest measurements: 85(95; 108; 118; 130) 140; 153; 163; 174 cm / 33½ (37¾; 42½; 46½; 51¼) 55⅛; 60¼; 64⅛; 68½ inches.

Knitting pattern for Flaxynet sweater is available from Ravelry. To celebrate the pattern release enjoy 15%-off with code FL15


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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Waterfall Bolero Light - pattern release

22.5.23

With summer is just behind the corner, it is a perfect time to start knitting a new lightweight garments for you little fashionistas. So, today I am happy to share the updated version of my popular design - Waterfall Bolero Light!

This bolero is made with a 4-ply/fingering weight yarn and features a lovely lacy stitch, which is easy to memorise and fast to knit. Design features short set in sleeves, round neck and two finishing options for front– tie and one button closure. The first option is great for little girl as it is safe and would prevent accidental button swallowing. 

It can be easily style with any outfit to add a touch of elegance and make any outfit look more special. Knitted in mohair or even with thread of lurex it would make a perfect garment for any festive season too!

My samples are knitted with Drops Alpaca (pink version) and Lyonesse 4-ply in shade Moonstone by Blacker Yarns 

Knitting pattern for Waterfall Bolero Light is written for sizes from 9-12 months up to 15-16 years and has both lacy chart and row-by-row instructions. You can find in on Ravelry and Lovecrafts.


There are also knitting kits available from Blacker Yarns website with their gorgeous Lyonesse 4-ply yarn 50/50 blend of natural linen and soft white Falkland Island Corriedale/Merino wool
To celebrate the pattern release I am happy to offer 15% off with code WF15 on Ravelry. Offer valid until 28th of May 2023. 
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