Churchmouse Yarns and Teas serves the lucky knitters of Bainbridge Island, Washington. And, fortunately for those of us who do not live on the island, they now distribute their lovely Churchmouse Classics to yarn shops as well. Here at Close Knit, we carry the entire pattern collection, including an elegant scarf and hat set, several scarves and cowls, berets, fingerless gloves and a sweet pair of bed socks. Perhaps the most popular of the designs is the Pressed Cap and Muffler. We often recommend it to customers as a basic men’s hat pattern. The clever decreases on the crown give the hat a finished look and the muffler is pressed after knitting, lending a nice drape.
The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca, but Cascade's Eco Alpaca would work nicely, too. The set requires three skeins of either.
Annabella’s Cowl is a luxurious piece worked in a DK silk and mohair lace weight held together.
Knit this cowl with three skeins of Louisa Harding Grace Silk and Wool, in either the original or hand-dyed colorways. Or, try the Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend. For a lace-weight mohair, I would suggest Rowan Kid Silk Haze.
The Felted Shetland Beret is knit with just two balls of Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift, which we stock in an array of rich tweedy colors. Although this yarn is fingering weight, it is knit at a looser gauge, because the final piece is felted for extra density and warmth. This is a classic beret for a man or a woman.
If you love the colors of Koigu sock yarn (KPPPM), but are not interested in making socks, the Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf might be for you. Linen stitch produces a fabric that appears to be woven, creating a final product that is not stretchy like a traditional knit scarf, and involves slipping stitches, so the colors blend together beautifully.
In addition, we have patterns for Barb’s Koigu Ruffle, the Koigu Beaded Beret, and Turkish Bed Socks, all knit with Koigu sock yarn.
The Welted Fingerless Gloves are adorned with tiny buttons along the welted cuff. These are knit with a DK weight yarn, so anything that feels good on your hands would be perfect.
The pattern calls for Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, but knitters on Ravelry have used Debbie Bliss Rialto, Rowan Felted Tweed, and Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca and Silk, to name a few. You would need just one skein of most of these for a pair of gloves, so this is a great chance to try a new yarn or treat yourself to a little luxury.
If you are looking for a simple knit with high impact, the Beaded Mohair Scarf uses lace weight mohair and beads to create a striking piece. Rowan Kid Silk Haze would be lovely choice here as well. If you want to try something different, Karabella Gossamer, a mohair lace yarn with metallic accents would provide sparkle.
In addition to being classically elegant designs, the Churchmouse Classics are beautifully photographed by Jared Flood of brooklyn tweed. They would make luxurious gifts for your favorite knitter...especially if that knitter is you!
