Llovely Llama Cowl

We spoke about the beautiful neutral alpaca Cascade Nevado earlier this month. Well, in no time at all, we have a free pattern to offer you.

Sally's Lovely Llama Cowl uses just one skein of Nevado, US11 needles, and a few short evenings of your time. We are offering the pattern for free with the purchase of the yarn, and it's a good one. Perfect for gift knitting, I would say. The stitches are all pretty simple, and you get to choose three big, awesome buttons. Who doesn't love big, awesome buttons?

This yarn really looks so much more interesting knit up in person than it does in the skein. The stitches are surprisingly crisp for a brushed sort of yarn, and there is much less halo than I would have expected. This is likely due to the nylon content, which gives it added durability and structure.

Stop and by and say hello to the yarn, the buttons, and the fabulous Emily, who graciously modeled the cowl for me. She is new to our shop this fall and is already contributing great ideas, samples, and a fabulous energy to our little corner. Welcome, Emily!

Cascade Nevado

Continuing our fall theme of naturally-colored fluffy yarns, we have Cascade Nevado!

This beautiful bulky yarn is a llama/wool blend with an interesting brushed texture. A little bit of nylon holds the whole thing together, and it is as soft as a cloud. The label recommends a US10, but I feel like this yarn would do well knit on slightly larger needles. And it looks like it will bloom beautifully with a good soak in wool wash.

Being a brand spanking new yarn, there are very few patterns and projects made up with this yarn. So I poked around a bit to find some inspiration for you all.

The Purl Soho Bandana Cowl was an obvious first choice. Free pattern, very stylish, just a few short rows to challenge your brain...perfect. And it seems like you could knit it with just one skein of Nevado.

I am also loving the Arika Cowl by Jane Richmond. This one is a $4.95 Ravelry download, but it is worth every penny. Two skeins of Nevado, a little bit of seaming and some very cool fringe. I can see this being a popular gift item. And so cozy!

Need something even faster? Try Kristen Hipsky's Last Minute Hat. She uses two strands of bulky yarn held together to make a quick and easy ribbed hat. I love the idea of using two of the natural shades of Nevado to create a pretty marled knit fabric. I can't make any promises, but it seems like you should be able to get two hats out of two skeins. I suppose it depends on how ambitious you go with the pom pom.

I am excited to see what you all make with this pretty new yarn! Any ideas popping into your heads?
All project photos borrowed from the associated pattern link.

Rowan Studio

Looking for something different? Something out of the ordinary? Something that is the antithesis of bulky fisherman's sweaters or other classic knitwear designs? Well, look no further than Rowan Studio. Rowan Studio is a quarterly pattern booklet published by UK company Rowan and is inspired by high fashion, the runway and haute couture. These booklets are small and may be easy to miss at first glance, but we have a stack of different issues and they are filled with captivating, avant-garde designs.

I am currently knitting Grace Melville's Oak from Rowan Studio 18. Oak is an easy wrap vest - essentially a large rectangle with an arm opening. I am using Plymouth Yarn Company's Baby Llama Glow, a precious worsted llama that is a joy to work with.

It is fairly mindless knitting - stockinette and seed stitch - and I can't wait to wear it. I will keep you posted on my progress.

But, until then, come in and check out our collection of Rowan Studio pattern booklets. They are nestled on a shelf with the rest of the Rowan books and yarn.

Ask us and we'd be happy to show them to you. Maybe you will find something fun and out of the ordinary. Something that defies convention, yet is highly wearable and comfortable at the same time.