Knit a Rainbow – Purple

Posted on June 18, 2019 by MayaB

Here at Knit with attitude colour is one of the most debated topics. So instead of doing a fibre or brand feature, I thought I would do little colour ones instead. So this post bypasses projects and specific yarn weights and lets us just love colour. Hopefully if you have a favourite colour in mind, or just looking for that right shade, this will give you some inspiration. Did you know you can search our website by colour as well?

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Continuing with classic rainbow order we find ourselves at the end of the rainbow with purple! From pale lilacs and lavenders to richer and moody dark royal purples. Found in nature, with flowers like Violets that give their name to the colour. Violet being the true end of the spectrum of light and purple itself being a colour that exists between red and blue. More red and it becomes electric, more blue and it becomes richer. It’s the colour of plums and aubergines. A royal colour and a colour piety.

So here we have them, my pick of the purples. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own purple, follow this link to the purple section of our website: PURPLE.

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Fyberspates – Vicacious 4ply in 628 Blueberry Imps – 4ply 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A high twist superwash Merino, hand dyed in Peru and spun to perfection as a light weight multipurpose yarn perfect for showing off lace and cabled knits.

Nuturing Fibres – Eco-Bamboo in Violet – 4ply 50g – 100% Bamboo. Nurturing Fibres Eco-Bambo has a gorgeous drape and a lustrous shine, however due to its twist this Bamboo yarn will ‘sag’ less than the usual Bamboo yarns.

John Arbon – Devonia 4ply in Nightshade – 4ply 100g – 50% Exmoor Blueface, 30% Devon Bluefaced Leicester, 20% Devon Wensleydale. A gorgeous blend of 3 UK breeds, creating a soft to the hand and shiny yarn in 4Ply and DK.

Black Elephant – Merino Singles in Knights of Cydonia – 4ply 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. Handdyed Merino Singles from Black Elephant in a gorgeous array of deep speckles and solids.

Kettle Yarn – Ramble in Damson – 4ply 100g – 100% Wool, Romney and Shetland fibres. Kettle Yarn Co.’s Ramble melds the softest grades of traditional fibres into a delicately lightweight, springy yarn. Think Shetland haps, Fair Isle and Fisherman’s jumpers, or just deliciously toothsome garter stitch.

Nuturing Fibres – Eco-Lush in Lilac – 4ply 50g – 40% Bamboo, 60% Cotton. Eco-Lush is a 40/60 blend of bamboo and cotton yarn that can be used for everything from cardigans to blankets. The cotton and bamboo are locally grown and while not certified organic, they have been farmed within these principles.

Nuturing Fibres – Eco-Cotton in Bordeaux – DK 50g – 100% Cotton. Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton is a soft cotton with a lovely stitch definition suitable to properly show off your favourite crochet and knitting projects.

Hillesvåg – Sølje in Gråfiolett – 100g 4ply – 100% Norwegian Pelsullgarn. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in lustrous Norwegian Pelt wool, Sølje is an 4Ply weight yarn in a colour palette which richness is unlike anything else.

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Lilac – 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Du Store Alpakka – Alpakka Tweed in 117 Purple – Aran 50g – 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Donegal. A tweed blend which is sturdy yet soft against the skin. In a classic aran weight it is perfect for those winter favourites.

Fyberspates – Scrumptious Lace in Amethyst – Lace 100g – 55% Merino, 45% Silk. This lace weight merino and silk blend yarn is a must for lush knitting, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques lace and structured stitches spectacularly.

Coopknits – Socks Yeah! in 112 Sugilite – 4ply 50g – 75% Merino 25% Nylon. A fabulous sock yarn with a gorgeous palette in a wide range of colours designed by Rachel Coopey. Socks Yeah! is hardwearing and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.

G-uld – alpaca in KWA09 – 4ply 50g – 100% Alpaca. Naturally dyed and oh so soft alpaca yarn from G-uld.

Hey Mama Wolf – Ahimsa No.10 in The Sky Was All Violet – Lace 50g – 100% Eri Silk. Ahimsa No.10 is handdyed using plant dyes, it is organic and fair traded, a true luxurious fibre.

Garnsurr – Pan in Tesu – DK 100g – 70% Buck Moahir, 30% Dallasheep. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Hedgehog – Fibres Merino DK in Spell – DK 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A great all purpose yarn, hardwearing and machine washable, still next to the skin it feels soft. The ideal yarn for sweaters, scarves, hats, literarily anything you can think of!

Knit a Rainbow – Blue

Posted on June 14, 2019 by MayaB

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Continuing with classic rainbow order we move on to blue! Blue, one of the three primary colours. Stretches from dark moody navy, to bright and light sky blues. On the spectrum between green and violet. Move towards green and you have teal, go the other way to violet you head towards ultramarine. Often seen as a cold colour, or a colour of sadness. But it is also the colour the sea and the sky. In ancient times a rare and expensive colour ground from lapis lazuli. But now a whole host of blues exist for us to enjoy.

So here we have them, my pick of the blues. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own blue, follow this link to the green section of our website: BLUE.

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Clockwise from top left:

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Turquoise – 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Du Store Alpaca – Hexa in 923 – Aran 50g – 100% Alpaca. This alpaca yarn is made from a single strand of twisted fibres knit into an I-cord. Hexa is super-soft and thick, still as lightweight as feathers.

G-uld – alpaca in KWA16 – 4ply 50g – 100% Alpaca. Naturally dyed and oh so soft alpaca yarn from G-uld.

Black Elephant – Merino Singles Mini in Tranquility – 4ply 20g – 100% Superwash Merino. The mini version of Black Elephants popular Merino Singles. A sumptuous range of moody shades.

Hey Mama Wolf – Ahimsa No.10 in Pale Blue Eyes – Lace 50g – 100% Eri Silk. Ahimsa No.10 is handdyed using plant dyes, it is organic and fair traded, a true luxurious fibre.

Hedgehog – Fibres Merino DK in Dragonfly – DK 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A great all purpose yarn, hardwearing and machine washable, still next to the skin it feels soft. The ideal yarn for sweaters, scarves, hats, literarily anything you can think of!

The Fibre Co – Terra in Sorrel – Aran 100g – 40% Alpaca, 40% Merino, 20% Silk. Terra is an aran weight single ply yarn with a rustic look and incredibly soft handle and bounce. The blend of alpaca, merino and silk noil is kettle dyed.

Hedgehog Fibres – Skinny Singles in Cedar – 4ply 100g – 100% Merino. Squishy and soft, with the right amount of twist! This yarn will work for any lace pattern, especially Stephen West designs for fingering/4Ply weight yarns.

The Fibre Co. – Meadow in Bellflower – Lace 100g – 40% Merino, 25% Baby Llama, 20% Silk, 15% Linen. Meadow is a perfect combination of four luxurious fibres. The merino and baby llama provide softness and bounce, the silk sheen and drape, and the linen a crisp hand and lovely stitch definition.

Fyberspates – Cumulus in 906 Turquoise – Lace 25g – 74% Baby Suri Alpaca, 26% Mulberry Silk. Cumulus is a deliciously soft, heavy lace weight baby alpaca yarn with a wonderful halo.

Kettle Yarn – Beyul in Delft – 4ply 100g – 20% Baby Yak, 20% Silk, 60% Merino. Kettle Yarn’s BEYUL combines the best of 3 fibres – the gentle halo of high quality Yak down, a subtle shimmer from silk, and the bouncy goodness of the softest superwash Merino.

Fyberspates – Vivacious 4ply in Shoreline – 4ply 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A high twist superwash Merino, hand dyed in Peru and spun to perfection as a light weight multipurpose yarn perfect for showing off lace and cabled knits.

Kate Davies – Àrd-Thìr in Ardnave – Arn 50g – 60% Highland Wool, 40% Alpaca. Àrd-Thìr is a beautiful alpaca/wool blend aran weight yarn in an mouthwatering palette of colours inspired by the Scottish Highlands.

Coopknits – Socks Yeah! in 120 Azurite – 4ply 50g – 75% Merino 25% Nylon. A fabulous sock yarn with a gorgeous palette in a wide range of colours designed by Rachel Coopey. Socks Yeah! is hardwearing and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.

The Fibre Co. – Lore in Reliable – DK 100g – 100% Kent Lambswool. Lore is a 100% Lambswool, an honest woollen spun DK weight yarn that blooms into a beautiful knitted fabric after washing.

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Blue – 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Stolen Stitches – Nua in Hatter’s Teal Party – Sport 50g – 60% Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Linen. Nua is a lightweight blend of merino, yak, and linen, in a gorgeous range of colours with a natural tweed effect.

The Fibre Co. – Luma in Breton – DK 50g – 50% Merino, 25% Cotton, 15% Linen and 10% Silk. A classic DK weight yarn. Plant-based fibres mixed with silk and wool provide a built-in layer of warmth in winter yet lightness when required in warmer temperatures.

Hillesvåg – Tinde in Blåturkis – DK 100g – 100% Norwegian Pelsullgarn. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in lustrous Norwegian Pelt wool, Tinde is an DK weight yarn in a colour palette which richness is unlike anything else.

Fyberspates – Scrumptious 4ply in 309 Midnight – 4ply/Sport 100g – 55% Superwash Merino, 45% Silk. This 4-ply merino and silk blend yarn is a must for your favourite projects, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques like cables and lace spectacularly.

Give Away Time: Win Pom Pom 29 and Yarn to Crochet Milton by Isa Catepillán

Posted on June 10, 2019 by MayaB

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Have you seen the latest issue of Pom Pom magazine yet? Issue 29 takes its inspiration from tiles and repeating motifs. This summer issue is packed with inspiring projects to fill your summer wardrobe. So what better time than on a day that feels like summer is deserting us and the rain doesn’t show signs of stopping. Lets keep our faith that sunny weather will return, by announcing a give away. We love the Minton by Isa Catepillán so we are giving you a chance to win the yarn to make it, plus a copy of Pom Pom 29. So reach for your crochet hook and head over to social media for a chance of winning.

All you need to do is head over to Facebook or Instagram @knitwithattitude. Like or follow us. Like the competition post and tag or mention two friends in the comments you think might want to join in on the fun.

We will draw the winner Thursday June 13th midday UK time, and yes, we will ship the prize to wherever you are!

Below I have pulled some great colour combos that I think the Minton will look perfect in, so pick your favourite! You will win one yarn kit below of your choice, which consists of 4 skeins of Växbo Lingarn, 3 for the Main Colour and 1 for the Contrast Colour. Plus an issue of Pom Pom 29.

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Earthy – Brick red tones make up this warm combo, combined with a subtle natural colour. Like a smartly pointed brick wall. Växbo Lingarn in Pale Bleached and Brick Red.

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Shoreline – The cool waves lapping the sandy shores make this the perfect combo for taking to the beach. Växbo Lingarn in Light Blue and Umbra

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Nature Lover – The harmonious combination of these two greens give a natural tree canopy vibe. Växbo Lingarn in Olive Green and Moss Green.

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Blue and White – This combo brings to mind traditional ceramics with their blue and white decorations. Växbo Lingarn in Bleached and Blue.

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Neon Flash – This striking combo sets one of the brightest against a base of dark grey. Like a neon sign illuminated on a grey day. Växbo Lingarn in Lime and Graphite.

Knit a Rainbow – Green

Posted on June 9, 2019 by MayaB

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Continuing with classic rainbow order we move on to green! This has to be my favourite, I love these greens. Green can be pulled in many directions, towards blue becoming teal, sea green or jade. Towards brown becoming more olive or moss. Even yellow plays with green making it more acidic, like lime. Green is the colour of nature, of forests and of leaves, to be green thumbed is to be good in the garden but you can also be green with envy, a term we have to thank Shakespeare for.

So here we have them, my pick of the greens. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own green, follow this link to the green section of our website: GREEN.

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The Fibre Co. – Cumbria in Helvellyn – 4ply 100g – 60% Merino wool, 30% Brown Masham, 10% Mohair. Cumbria comes in a classic 4Ply weight, it is a sturdy still soft to the touch yarn, suitable for all 4Ply knitting projects.

Garnsurr – Pan in Preinas – DK 100g – 70% Buck Moahir, 30% Dallasheep. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Fyberspates – Cumulus in 903 Bottle Green – Lace 25g – 74% Baby Suri Alpaca, 26% Mulberry Silk. Cumulus is a deliciously soft, heavy lace weight baby alpaca yarn with a wonderful halo.

Kettle Yarn – Islington DK in Ochre – DK 100g – 55% British Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 45% Silk. A lightweight BFL wool and silk blend, versatile and strong while maintaining buttery softness – a sophisticated choice for everyday items, luxurious next-to-skin wear and precious accessories.

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Leaf Green – 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Coopknits – Socks Yeah! in 114 Peridot – 4ply 50g – 75% Merino 25% Nylon. A fabulous sock yarn with a gorgeous palette in a wide range of colours designed by Rachel Coopey. Socks Yeah! is hardwearing and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.

Hedgehog Fibres – Kidsilk Lace in Shamrock – Lace 50g – 70% Kid Moahir, 30% Silk. The Kidsilk Lace is a glowing pure silk core wrapped in soft fuzzy mohair halo, the ultimate lace yarn.

G-uld – alpaca in KWA20 – 4ply 50g – 100% Alpaca. Naturally dyed and oh so soft alpaca yarn from G-uld.

The Fibre Co. – Lore in Earthy – DK 100g – 100% Kent Lambswool. Lore is a 100% Lambswool, an honest woollen spun DK weight yarn that blooms into a beautiful knitted fabric after washing.

Susan Crawford – Fenella in Myrtle – 2ply 25g – 100% Pure British Wool. A 2 ply yarn that knits up to that elusive vintage ‘3 ply’ tension, grown, spun, dyed and finished in Britain.

John Arbon – Devonia DK in Ivy Leaf – DK 100g – 50% Exmoor Blueface, 30% Devon Bluefaced Leicester, 20% Devon Wensleydale. A gorgeous blend of 3 UK breeds, creating a soft to the hand and shiny yarn in 4Ply and DK.

Hey Mama Wolf – Schafwolle #03 in Buckthorn Green II – Worsted 100g – 100% Organic Wool. Schafwolle #03 is a natural dyed, worsted weight organic wool yarn from Hey Mama Wol

Nurturing Fibres – Eco-Fusion in Emerald – 4ply 50g – 50% Bamboo, 50% Cotton. Eco-Fusion is a 50/50 blend of bamboo and cotton yarn that can be used for everything from cardigans to blankets. The cotton and bamboo are locally grown and while not certified organic, they have been farmed with these principles.

Hillesvåg – Troll in Lys Olivengrønn – Aran 100g – 100% Norwegian Wool. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in 100% Norwegian Wool, Troll is an Aran weight yarn in a wide colour palette.

Stolen Stitches – Nua in Mosquito Coast – Sport 50g – 60% Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Linen. Nua is a lightweight blend of merino, yak, and linen, in a gorgeous range of colours with a natural tweed effect.

Fyberspates – Scrumptious 4ply in Key Lime – 4ply/Sport 100g – 55% Superwash Merino, 45% Silk. This 4-ply merino and silk blend yarn is a must for your favourite projects, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques like cables and lace spectacularly.

Throwback Thursday: Växbo Lin Lingarn

Posted on June 6, 2019 by MayaB

Linen is back! Not a moment too soon… One of our go to summer yarns is Växbo Lin’s Lingarn, so this little Throwback Thursday post is here to celebrate it again. We have recently restocked on 22 shades of this gorgeous and unusual fibre. So in case you missed it, here is why linen is so great.

Lingarn is a 100% natural pure linen yarn traditionally grown and spun in Sweden. Växbo Lin’s Lingarn is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

The earliest trace of flax culture in the Swedish county Hälsingland is dated to circa 200 AD. Evidence from the Viking age indicates that women wore linen chemises under their woolen skirts. Flax has been grown for domestic use throughout Sweden. In medieval times there was a surplus of flax in Hälsingland and linen became an item of trade. In fact, linen rather than money was used to pay taxes and fines.

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Heres a little bit about how linen fibre is made from one of our earlier Fibre Fridays posts. ‘Linen comes from a plant called flax. Unlike cotton, where the fibre comes from a pod that the plant produces, linen is made from the inner stalk. This type of fibre is called a bast fibre. Other bast fibres include nettle, hemp and rattan. The plant is grown to a height of about 4 feet. When it is ready, the plants are pulled up from the roots and left to decompose in a process called retting. This unbinds the unwanted outer bark from the inner bark that makes the fibre. The two types of bark are separated by big metal rollers in a process called scutching. The fibre lengths are combed to find the longest fibres which are then spun into thread or yarn.’

Linen is a tough fibre that may feel stiff an unyielding at first, but the more you work it the more it softens. It is recommended winding linen by hand, as this begins the softening process, which continues the more you work with it.

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What Throwback Thursday would be complete without a look at projects past. Do you remember Maya’s Selja she knit last year? Selja by Jonna Hietala is knit top down holding two strands together on 5.5mm needles. A super speedy knit for a quick summer project. Maya chose the Umbra colour. To read more about Selja read Maya’s – What Maya Knits Blog Post.

And a couple of summers back Natalie launched her design The Mirabeau Top! The Mirabeau is an attractive striped summer top with a fetching lace panel. Idea for summer holidays and evenings dining al fresco. Light and cool, with fun Breton stripes, allowing you an opportunity to play with colour.

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I also knit with linen earlier this year when I finished my Parachutey by Stephen West. It came very handy in the hot halls of the Edinburgh Yarn Festival where I wore it over a shirt and kept perfectly cool. I knit this one in Moss Green, Olive Green, Graphite and Lime.

So go grab your needles while the sun is still shining.

Knit a Rainbow – Yellow

Posted on May 29, 2019 by MayaB

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Continuing with the classic rainbow order, we move from orange on to yellow! Yellow sits between orange and green in the visible spectrum. Sometimes seeming more green -certainly in the case of the overdyed grey base of the Tinde or in the neon tones of the Hedgehog Fibres. At its darker, warmer end, it touches on orange and browns and at its lightest, fades into a buttery creaminess. It’s a warm colour, a colour of optimism. A colour of summer, the colour of sunflowers!

So here we have them, my pick of the yellows. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own yellow, follow this link to the orange section of our website: YELLOW.

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Fyberspates – Scrumptious 4ply in 325 Daffodil – 4ply/Sport 100g – 55% Superwash Merino, 45% Silk. This 4-ply merino and silk blend yarn is a must for your favourite projects, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques like cables and lace spectacularly.

Garnsurr – Søkke Merino in Sneivin – 4ply 100g – 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Garnsurr – Pan in Sneivin – DK 100g – 70% Buck Moahir, 30% Dallasheep. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Nuturing Fibres – Eco-Lush in Sunglow – 4ply 50g – 40% Bamboo, 60% Cotton. Eco-Lush is a 40/60 blend of bamboo and cotton yarn that can be used for everything from cardigans to blankets. The cotton and bamboo are locally grown and while not certified organic, they have been farmed within these principles.

Nuturing Fibres – Eco-Cotton in Sunglow – DK 50g – 100% Cotton. Nurturing Fibres Eco-Cotton is a soft cotton with a lovely stitch definition suitable to properly show off your favourite crochet and knitting projects.

The Fibre Co. – Luma in Goldenmosa – DK 50g – 50% Merino, 25% Cotton, 15% Linen and 10% Silk. A classic DK weight yarn. Plant-based fibres mixed with silk and wool provide a built-in layer of warmth in winter yet lightness when required in warmer temperatures.

Coopknits – Socks Yeah DK in 215 Sphene – DK 50g – 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. Socks Yeah! DK is a fabulous, hardwearing yarn with a high twist and a brilliant stitch definition in a gorgeous palette of 10 colours.

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Yellow– 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Hedgehog Fibres – Skinny Singles in Highlighter – 4ply 100g – 100% Merino. Squishy and soft, with the right amount of twist! This yarn will work for any lace pattern, especially Stephen West designs for fingering/4Ply weight yarns.

G-uld – alpaca in KWA17 – 4ply 50g – 100% Alpaca. Naturally dyed and oh so soft alpaca yarn from G-uld.

John Arbon – Knit by Numbers in KBN54 – DK 100g – 100% Merino. An exciting range of double knit organically farmed Merino, spun in a colour palette that aims to provide knitters with the precise shade they require.

Fyberspates – Vivacious DK in 804 Sunshine – DK 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A high twist superwash Merino, hand dyed in Peru and spun to perfection as a light weight multipurpose yarn perfect for kids wear.

The Fibre Co. – Lore in Happiness – DK 100g – 100% Kent Lambswool. Lore is a 100% Lambswool, an honest woollen spun DK weight yarn that blooms into a beautiful knitted fabric after washing.

Hillesvåg – Tinde in 2119 Gul – DK 100g – 100% Norwegian Pelsullgarn. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in lustrous Norwegian Pelt wool, Tinde is an DK weight yarn in a colour palette which richness is unlike anything else.

Blue Sky Fibres – Alpaca Sport in Buttercup – Sport 50g – 100% Baby Alpaca. A 100% baby alpaca yarn with a high sheen and springy softness with an excellent stitch definition that creates an amazing drape.

Du Store Alpaca – Hexa in 932 – Aran 50g – 100% Alpaca. This alpaca yarn is made from a single strand of twisted fibres knit into an I-cord. Hexa is super-soft and thick, still as lightweight as feathers.

Knit a Rainbow – Orange

Posted on May 27, 2019 by MayaB

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Continuing with classic rainbow order we move on to orange! Orange can range from deep rusty browns to bright neon oranges. Orange can seem more yellow at times and more red in others and there seems a fine line between them both. Orange is the colour of food: oranges, carrots, saffron, its a warming colour, the colour of fire!

So here we have them, my pick of the oranges. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own orange, follow this link to the orange section of our website: ORANGE.

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Black Elephant – Merino Singles Mini in Golden Coast – 4ply 20g – 100% Superwash Merino. The mini version of Black Elephants popular Merino Singles. A sumptuous range of moody shades.

John Arbon – Devonia DK in Amber Blaze – DK 100g – 50% Exmoor Blueface, 30% Devon Bluefaced Leicester, 20% Devon Wensleydale. A gorgeous blend of 3 UK breeds, creating a soft to the hand and shiny yarn in 4Ply and DK.

Fyberspates – Scrumptious 4ply in Persimmon- 4ply/Sport 100g – 55% Superwash Merino, 45% Silk. This 4-ply merino and silk blend yarn is a must for your favourite projects, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques like cables and lace spectacularly.

Kettle Yarn – Islington DK in Persimmon – DK 100g – 55% British Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 45% Silk. A lightweight BFL wool and silk blend, versatile and strong while maintaining buttery softness – a sophisticated choice for everyday items, luxurious next-to-skin wear and precious accessories.

John Arbon – Knit by Numbers in KBN13 – DK 100g – 100% Merino. An exciting range of double knit organically farmed Merino, spun in a colour palette that aims to provide knitters with the precise shade they require.

Hillesvåg – Blåne in Cognac 2013 – Aran 100g – 100% Norwegian Pelt Wool. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in lustrous Norwegian Pelt wool, Blåne is an aran weight yarn in a colour palette which richness is unlike anything else.

Fyberspates – Vivacious DK in Peach Bellini – DK 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. A high twist superwash Merino, hand dyed in Peru and spun to perfection as a light weight multipurpose yarn perfect for kids wear.

Hedgehog Fibres – Skinny Singles in Copper Penny – 4ply 100g – 100% Merino. Squishy and soft, with the right amount of twist! This yarn will work for any lace pattern, especially Stephen West designs for fingering/4Ply weight yarns.

Garnsurr – Søkke Merino in Gryteflaks #21 – 4ply 100g – 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Hedgehog Fibres – Skinny Singles in Kid You Not – 4ply 100g – 100% Merino. Squishy and soft, with the right amount of twist! This yarn will work for any lace pattern, especially Stephen West designs for fingering/4Ply weight yarns.

Ninapetrina – Tynn Norwegian Lambs Wool in Gold – 4ply 6 50g Skiens – 100% Norwegian Lambs Wool. The Tynn Norwegian Lambs Wool Gradient is dyed on Norwegian Lambs Wool by Ninapetrina in Norway.

Coopknits – Socks Yeah DK in 208 Hecate – DK 50g – 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon. Socks Yeah! DK is a fabulous, hardwearing yarn with a high twist and a brilliant stitch definition in a gorgeous palette of 10 colours.

Yarn Pairings for Laine Issue 8

Posted on May 26, 2019 by MayaB

It’s Laine! Issue 8 – Kelo. Featuring the work of 11 designers: Justyna Lorkowska, Denise Bayron, Libby Jonson, Julie Dubreux, Leeni Hoimela, Astrid Troland, Sus Gepard, Éveline Cantin-Bergeron, Jenny Sauselein and Marjorie Martin. As always we are in awe of the magic Laine manages to conjure up, and this issue is no exception. Featuring jumpers, socks, cardigans, shawls, there is something for everyone. Of course it is not just knitting patterns, but contains articles, recipes and interviews which all together make Laine one of those publications we just have to have.

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Let’s take a look between the covers and drool and dream over this collection. As always I have put together my recommended yarn pairings from Knit With Attitude.

laine-honeydew Honeydew by Justyna Lorkowska is a stunningly cosy looking jumper. Knit holding two strands together, something fuzzy and something smooth. You know this one is going to be a joy to wear. An over-sized rolled neckband and overall relaxed look make for a comfortable garment. The body is given texture by an all over stitch repeat, which will add interest to the design, but also interest to the process. Knit this in something luxury, The Fibre Co. Cumbria would give great definition to textured stitches and I think the colours of that yarn are spot on for this. For the fuzz try Fyberspates Cumulus with an array of pleasing complimentary colours that would work well with the Cumbria.

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Georgie by Libby Jonson is a textural masterpiece. A stunning all over open lace repeat gives drama, but the slouchy fit is unpretentious, making this a great go-to jumper for throwing on. Make it the comfiest thing ever and knit it in Blue Sky Fibres Alpaca Sport

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Grace by Denise Bayron looks like the cosiest of classic sweaters. Elegant shaping with a simple cable motif running down the centre front. Worked seamlessly from the top down with raglan increases for the yoke and sleeves. Quick to knit, this will become a wardrobe staple. Knit this in an easy to knit cosy yarn like Hillesvåg Troll for that iconic cabled jumper vibe.

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Pasvik by Julie Dubreux is an amazingly multi functional piece. Unbuttoned, it’s a simple wrap or a little blanket – and buttoned up, it becomes a shrug, overcoat or a poncho! A sinewy collection of purl stitches trace around the design, giving life and energy to the whole garment. Try Àrd-Thìr, the twist in this yarn gives it great structure and will lend itself to great definition of the pattern.

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Heather by Ash Alberg – Look at the detail on this pair of socks! The perfect lacey treat to get stuck into. Worked from the toe up, so perfect for choosing a long or short style. A yarn that will give good definition and hold the pattern repeats like Hey Mama Wolf Sockyarn #04 would be perfect.

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Uoma by Leeni Hoimela is a dynamic jumper with a bold motif. A clever use of texture here creates a top that is fun to knit and fun to wear. Taking the graphic shape of a diagonal line and bringing a quirky design statement. ‘Uoma’ meaning a riverbed which is very apt for the strong crossed stitch lines, like the flow of water. A simple seamless top down construction and knit in a merino silk blend. Try Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply or if you are looking for some speckled action the Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles with its single ply and slightly silky feel would also work.

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Flower Buds by Astrid Troland is a lovely relaxed short sleeved top. I like the rigid edge over the shoulders that leads to a simple boat neck. This is made elegant by an understated use of yarn overs. The most minimal of details are worked across the body, almost mirage-like with the mere hint of a cable. This gives an overall texture without being cluttered. Knit in two yarns held together, a lace weight alpaca and a 4ply lambswool. I couldn’t help but flip this and pair two of my favourites, the lace weight Garthenor No.1 and the 4ply G-uld Alpaca. How fun would that be to knit.

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Waterlily by Sus Gepard is an intriguing cardigan with charming Kid Silk details. Decorative stitches use the character of a Kidsilk Lace to full advantage. Try the silk blend of Kettle Yarn Islington DK (at a slightly lighter gauge, a good idea to swatch) but the fibre blend and colour range lend themselves perfectly. Mix this with the Hedgehog Fibres KidSilk Lace.

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Cimes by Éveline Cantin-Bergeron is a textural dream. An all over pattern repeat creates a great fabric for this garment. A classic fit, relaxed, light and airy. Knitted from the bottom up in the round with drop shoulders. A slightly variegated yarn like Fyberspates Vivacious DK is ideal. I would love to see this in the Deep Forest colour.

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Rosebay by Jenny Sauselein is a work of art. This piece is definitely not boring. An array of textured stitches of miniature leaf and branched fern go together to create this sumptuous creation. A great one for challenging your cabling and lace skills. Something like Hillesvåg Sølje would give you great stitch definition.

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Lakka by Marjorie Martin is a classic cardigan but knit from side to side, in one piece. An added detail to all that stocking stitch is a cute bobble detail. This acts to soften the boxy shape and add a delicate detail. Try knitting this one in John Arbon Devonia DK for a heritage feel.

There are some great pieces in this issue. I love all the patterned textural repeats that can be found all over. Full wall to wall lace, cables and other interesting stitches, create a bunch of patterns that are engaging as well as look beautiful.

Knit a Rainbow – Red

Posted on May 24, 2019 by MayaB

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I’m starting in classic rainbow order with red! Reds can range from bright scarlets, to dark burgundies. Red dips its toe in to oranges, as well as pinks and purples, giving us a whole sumptuous range to play with. Red is a colour of passion, of danger and of course wine!

So here we have them my pick of the reds. For more details of each brand look below. Or if you would like to search out your own red, follow this link to the red section of our website: RED.

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Clockwise from top left:

The Fibre Co – Terra in Madder – Aran 100g – 40% Alpaca, 40% Merino, 20% Silk. Terra is an aran weight single ply yarn with a rustic look and incredibly soft handle and bounce. The blend of alpaca, merino and silk noil is kettle dyed.

Fyberspates – Cumulus in 900 Pilar Box – Lace 25g – 74% Baby Suri Alpaca, 26% Mulberry Silk. Cumulus is a deliciously soft, heavy lace weight baby alpaca yarn with a wonderful halo.

Garnsurr – Pan in Hørningen – DK 100g – 70% Buck Moahir, 30% Dallasheep. Garnsurr is a social integration project for refugee women. Enabling women through learning the language and the wonderful creative art of hand dyeing.

Växbo Lin – Lingarn in Red – 4ply 100g – 100% Linen. This 100% natural pure linen yarn, traditionally grown and spun in Sweden, is certified with the Swedish Good Environmental Choice label (Bra Miljöval) because of its durability and environmentally friendly processing.

Du Store Alpakka – Alpakka Tweed in Red 120 – Aran 50g – 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Donegal. A tweed blend which is sturdy yet soft against the skin. In a classic aran weight it is perfect for those winter favourites.

Kettle Yarn – Beyul in Monk’s Robe – 4ply 100g – 20% Baby Yak, 20% Silk, 60% Merino. Kettle Yarn’s BEYUL combines the best of 3 fibres – the gentle halo of high quality Yak down, a subtle shimmer from silk, and the bouncy goodness of the softest superwash Merino.

Stolen Stitches – Nua in Angry Monkey – Sport 50g – 60% Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Linen. Nua is a lightweight blend of merino, yak, and linen, in a gorgeous range of colours with a natural tweed effect.

The Fibre Co. – Luma in Sherry – DK 50g – 50% Merino, 25% Cotton, 15% Linen and 10% Silk. A classic DK weight yarn. Plant-based fibres mixed with silk and wool provide a built-in layer of warmth in winter yet lightness when required in warmer temperatures.

Fyberspates – Scrumptious 4ply in Cherry- 4ply/Sport 100g – 55% Superwash Merino, 45% Silk. This 4-ply merino and silk blend yarn is a must for your favourite projects, and with its tight twist and superb stitch definition it will show off techniques like cables and lace spectacularly.

Black Elephant – Merino Singles in Moulin Rouge- 4ply 100g – 100% Superwash Merino. Handdyed Merino Singles from Black Elephant in a gorgeous array of deep speckles and solids.

John Arbon – Knit by Numbers in KBN19 – DK 100g – 100% Merino. An exciting range of double knit organically farmed Merino, spun in a colour palette that aims to provide knitters with the precise shade they require.

Lopi – Léttlopi in Crimson Red 9434 – Worsted 50g – 100% Icelandic New Wool. A sturdy, proper pure wool yarn in a worsted weight that sits between the UK DK and Aran. It is made in 100% Icelandic New Wool and comes in a wide range of gorgeous solid and heather colours.

Susan Crawford – Fenella in Baked Cherry – 2ply 25g – 100% Pure British Wool. A 2 ply yarn that knits up to that elusive vintage ‘3 ply’ tension, grown, spun, dyed and finished in Britain.

G-uld – alpaca in KWA01 – 4ply 50g – 100% Alpaca. Naturally dyed and oh so soft alpaca yarn from G-uld.

Hillesvåg – Sølje in Burgunder 2104 – 100g 4ply – 100% Norwegian Pelsullgarn. Traditionally spun by the family owned mill Hillesvåg, in lustrous Norwegian Pelt wool, Sølje is an 4Ply weight yarn in a colour palette which richness is unlike anything else.

Expect the rest of the rainbow to be covered shortly!

🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

Time for a New Project – Inspiration for Navelli by Caitlin Hunter

Posted on May 19, 2019 by MayaB

When a project comes along and is, light and summery, involves colour work, knit in merino singles, stylish and looks like a fun project to knit. I’m totally there. The new Navelli by Caitlin Hunter has me hooked. What with the burst of fun new Skinny Singles here at Knit With Attitude, literally a whole wall of them! What better time to start this project.

Navelli is named for an ancient town in Italy, known as the land of crocuses and saffron. A relaxed lightweight summer sweater, knit in the round from the bottom up. With the most amazing panel of colour work at the bottom. Boxy shaping with a wide boat neck, it is a great edition to the summer wardrobe.

We have a lot of merino singles in right now, so it’s the perfect time to start. Here I have put some colour suggestions together to get your creativity flowing.

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This combo has a touch of the seaside about it, the waves washing up against the shore. Good contrast is given for the colour work section to really make it stand out.

From left to right we have Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Silence, Black Elephant Merino Singles in Golden Coast and Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Cedar.

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A warmer version here with a touch of neon. I think you can be brave when it comes to colour work projects. Adding a little flash of something bright and daring as one of the colours, can really lift it and make it stand out.

From left to right we have Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Seed, Kid You Not and Cedar.

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This has to be my favourite combo. I’m loving the mustardy green colour against the pinks. Bits of green are picked out in the palest colour, giving a little connection but not being too similar.

From left to right we have Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Bloom, Rosewood and Kelp.

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I chose the palest of speckles for the main colour in this one, it will really make the colour work pattern pop out. Quite an elegant combo I think

From left to right we have Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Dune, Purr and Typewriter.

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Another fiery combination but this time with a pale speckle as the main colour. Orange is the overriding theme that unites all the colours. Though I think there is enough contrast so the pattern won’t get lost.

From left to right we have Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles in Monarch, Copper Penny and Black Elephant Merino Singles in Nostalgia.

So here are a few ideas to get you started, but I know that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many colours to choose from. I think the key with colour work projects is to get a good amount of tonal contrast between the colours you choose, even if they are the same or different. That way the pattern will be the most defined and interesting.

Happy Knitting!

The Knit with attitude Blog

– an East London Yarn Shop