Fringe Madness!

This week, my pattern Taken by the Wind was released in Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories, and I rejoiced that my fringey-shawl-baby was in the world. I've been thinking a lot about yarn fringe since I designed this thing, so a post about fringe seemed appropriate for this stop on the Holla Knits Blog Tour!

Remember that time I went pom pom crazy? This was much less strange.

Here we go! Here are some ways to make fringe and tassles that I found on Pinterest. Did I succeed? Did I fail spectacularly? Let's find out!


1. Your basic pull-through yarn fringe
Technique here.

This is essentially the technique I used for my fringed shawl, although they show multiple strands being pulled through each spot, and I only did a single strand in each spot (and the spots are very close together). This gives a nice, even layer of fringe without too much weight or too many gaps.

Ok, looking good! This is the simplest, most straightforward way of applying yarn fringe to something knitted or crocheted. Time to take things to another level...

2. Fancy knotted fringe
Technique here.

This one takes the strands a step further-- we're going to knot the fringe in a way that hopefully looks nice and finished and not like something that got caught in a vacuum cleaner.

Eep I'm tying knots in my precious shawl!

I really like how this turned out! I just worked the knots over the center point of the shawl for the photos. While I am not going to tie the entire shawl (at least today), I really like this technique! It's simple, looks fancy, and is a fun way to kick the fringe up a notch.

4. Fringe-as-you-Garter Stitch
Technique here

It needs a trim when finished, but you get the idea.

This is my favorite technique for fringe when you're just plain knitting-- making a length-wise scarf and leaving some yarn on each end of each row to create fringe. I knot the yarn as I go (the technique mentions just pulling it tight) to make sure things are secure.

Best thing ever for scrap knitting!
--

My fringe exploration is far from over, but that will have to do for now. I really want to try the knotted fringe again, and would recommend it to those playing along at home. It was surprisingly fun and pretty quick.

More Holla Knits blog tour to come! Check out the schedule below for posts and prizes!

May 18: Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories Issue Launch

May 19: The Sweatshop of Love / Knitted Bliss - pattern giveaway, issue giveaway

May 20: Ruby Submarine - fringe tutorial

May 21: Handmade by Stefanie - pattern and yarn giveaway

May 26: Doog Knits - kit giveaway

May 28: Canary Knits - issue giveaway

May 29: Laura Reinbach - pattern giveaway

June 1: Gynx Yarns Podcast - pattern and yarn giveaway

June 2: Ruby Submarine - issue giveaway

June 4: Rock and Purl - giveaway

June 8: Handmade by Stefanie - Take 5

June 9: Hands Occupied - issue giveaway

Styling Cape Vertigo

Have you been tempted by all the amazing cape styles out there this season? I know I have. Capes are a warm, stylish, practical way to stay warm when dressing up or down. They are very versatile and it can be a little intimidating to know how to wear them. 

In honor of the Holla Knits Selfish Knitting pattern sale, let's take a look at three different ways of wearing my Cape Vertigo pattern, shall we?

The first thing you should know is that Boots are a Cape's best friend. Got some boots? You're more than halfway there to creating an awesome #capelyfe look.

   

Look 1 - Like a Boss: Cape + Jeans, Jacket, Boots

Can't touch this.

  

Wear your bad-assest boots, leather jacket and snug jeans. Wrap the cape loosely around your neck starting with one end and fling the other end over your shoulder.

...Or center the cape on your neck, gathering the length into some cozy ripples. Let it hang.

Look 2 - Sweet n Cozy: Cape + Dress or Skirt, Boots, Legwarmers or Tights

Wear a sweet skirt or dress, legwarmers or tights, and your favorite boots. Wrap the cape flat and tight around your neck, keeping the rolled collar exposed, for a smooth shoulder warmer.

  

Look 3 - 70s Office Glam (just go with me here): Cape + Dress Pants, Blouse, Gold Belt, Gold Bracelet, Gold hoop earrings, Attitude

Just drape it on top, casual-like. Yeeaaah girl. Now swagger.

Let's continue to pretend I've photoshopped the remote shutter out of my hand.

Look 4 - On Your Lap: Cape + Sitting Down

The coziest lap blanket of all time.

Get in there.

Cape Vertigo is on sale for $4 this week! Head over to the Holla Knits site to get the pattern at a discount this week only.

new pattern - Rita Hayworth cropped sweater

Named after the incredible Margarita Carmen Cansino (Rita Hayworth was her Hollywood-friendly name), dancer, actress, bombshell. A 1940s-inspired fitted sweater with some updates-- wide boatneck, deep V in back, cropped length, half sleeves, pure sass.

The ribbed waist ensures a snug and flattering fit, whether you wear it over a flowy blouse, or all by itself, you daring minx you.

Fits with a bit of negative ease. Shown is size M (to fit 36" but I'm more like a 38").  The strap makes sure it stays where it is supposed to, along with looking pretty neat. Knit with Ewe So Sporty, my go-to washable merino yarn.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!

36" size on a 36" mannequin

Rita Hayworth cropped sweater pattern PDF

$7.99

cape vertigo - new pattern!

Picture this: You're all dressed up to go enjoy some evening fall festivities. There's a slight chill in the air... what do you throw on over your stylish duds? A winter coat just doesn't quite seem fancy enough.

If you're me, it's a cape. Meet Cape Vertigo, my latest design from the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Holla Knits!

Cozy and luxurious, it sits around your shoulders with a soft shaped folding collar. This simple stranded colorwork pattern is a joy to knit -- worked in the round and then steeked before the collar stitches are picked up. If you've never steeked before, never fear! This is a great first steeking project and will walk you through the process with visual references.

The stranded colorwork creates a strong fabric with clean lines that remains light and soft. It's an easy-to-memorize pattern repeat and surprisingly fast to knit. This flew off my needles in record time for such a large cozy piece.

 

My light tan and blue version of the cape was knit up in the divine Berrocco Flicker, an alpaca blend with a tiny bit of metallic sparkle. Allyson's beautiful dark brown/blue tweedy version of the cape was knit in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed.

I love how this pattern turned out in both yarns! This one is so fun to knit, I want to make as many color combinations as possible. I'm thinking a neon pink/gray version is in my future.

Cape Vertigo on Ravelry

 

#capelyfe