Cables, Texture - Two New Patterns and a Donation

The Bee's Knees Cardigan and the Blue Wave Mitts. Both feature cables and texture and are knit in Neighborhood Fiber Company's Studio Worsted yarn. Since some of us have extra time on our hands these days and others have less knitting moments than ever before, you can play with this gorgeous yarn in either an entire sweater or treat yourself to a quick pair of mitts out of a single skein.  

If you've been following me for a while, you already know that I choose a few patterns a year and use my needles to help with and draw attention to causes I feel strongly about.  These two patterns are the latest ones I'm using towards that effort. 

Right now, my biggest concerns are racial justice and voting rights, especially as we head towards November here in the US. So, instead of giving you the usual introductory discount on these, I'm going to direct those dollars out into the world. I've done this before, and it's amazing how fast these small bits of your purchases add up to a larger donation than I would ever be able to make myself.  (If you want to see what your purchases and my patterns have supported in the past, go here  

 Anyways, in the hopes that we can make a small difference out there in the world  --  50% of all the Bee�s Knees Cardigan and Blue Wave Mitts sales, from now until Sept 22, will be donated towards BLM and voting rights efforts. Half of the funds collected will go to Stacey Abrams Fair Fight 2020 and the other half will got to the Neighborhood Fiber Company�s NFC Fund.  Both organizations are linked in the text above if you want to see what they are doing out in the world, or if you want to get involved or donate to their work on your own.  

Bee's Knees is a cardigan that's all about cables and texture. The bold lines of the front panels stand out beautifully against the delicate textured lines of the body pattern, a departure from the seed stitch I often choose.  As always it's the details that bring it all together - a gorgeous join at the back neck, a side "seam" that allows for easy adjustments to width, how the cable flows out of the hem, and the way the cable panels move subtly outwards along the V-neck shaping.  Plus, I've added simple edge details to keep the seams neat and a delicate shawl collar that can be modified in number of ways. 

The sweater is knit from the bottom up, and separated into 3 pieces at armholes. Sleeves are knit in the round once shoulders are seamed, and the cable panel is worked upwards and joined at center back neck. Notes are in the pattern at points where you might want to alter things as always, and the cables and texture are both written and charted.  

Bee's Knees Sizes

34.5(37.5,40.5,43,46.5,49.5)(52,55,58,62.5)�

87.5(95.25,103,109.25,118.25,125.75)(132,139.75,147.5,158.75)cm around bust, worn closed. 

Choose the size that gives you about 4-6�/10-15.25cm positive ease, based on your bust measurement for fit shown. Sizes are based on the finished bust measurements of sweater in final fabric, so if you want a different fit, choose a different amount of ease. If doing so, be sure to check all other measurements on last page of pattern to ensure a good fit. 

Bee's Knees Yarn/Yardage per size

Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted (100% Superwash Merino, 400 yds/365m, per 8oz,228g skein) or Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Worsted (100% Organic SW Merino, 200 yds/183m per 4oz, 113g skein) Sample shown in the Oliver colorway.    

If substituting yarn, you want a worsted weight yarn without too much weight or drape.  A solid, semi-solid, heather or tweed will show off the pattern best. 

1150(1250,1350,1450,1550,1650)(1700,1750,1800,1850)yds worsted weight yarn needed

1050(1145,1235,1325,1420,1510)(1555,1600,1645,1695)m worsted weight yarn needed. 

If altering sweater, adjust yarn quantity as needed.

The second thing I have for you is a quick one-skein acessory pattern - the Blue Wave Mitts.

I know the name is a little on the nose, but they are blue and they are wavy, and there is a cocktail. Plus, I figure if there ever was a time to be completely transparent about where I stand on things, it's now.  

The Blue Wave Mitts are worked in the Hollins Market colorway. They feature a single, undulating cable along the top of each hand, placed on a background of 1x1 rib. Again, the contrast of cable against background is pretty perfect.  Plus, the combination of ribbing with the squishy memory of the Merino makes for a really well-fitting mitt, while allowing the cable to open up beautifully when worn.  Quick and easy and totally satisfying.     

Blue Wave Sizing Info

7.5�/19cm around mitt laid flat, 9.25"/23.5cm long from cast on to bind off edge. 

Measurements based on final fabric, laid flat.  Mitt stretches when worn.  

Blue Wave Yarn/Yardage Info

Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Worsted, (100% Organic SW Merino, 200yds/183m per 4oz/100g skein). Shown in Hollins Market. 175yds/160m needed per pair.   

More information and all the test knits are up on Ravelry if you click on any of the pattern page links! Both patterns can be purchased in the patterns section of this website now, and will be on LoveKnitting and WEBS after Sept 15th.