Knit Play Colour!

We love to see unique new books from indie designers here at Fyberspates so we were really excited to be included on the blog tour for Louise Zass-Bangham of Inspiration Knits interesting new book; Knit Play Colour.


The idea behind Louise's new book is not just to give knitters a strict set of instructions to follow, but to encourage them to be a bit more adventurous and make the projects their own.  With a collection of ten patterns for cowls, shawls and even a cosy blanket, this book could help to give you a little nudge out of your comfort zone and try something a little different. 

This colourful cowl uses four shades of Cumulus (Moonlight, Bottle Green, Magenta and Turquoise) and traditional undulating Old Shale lace. 


There are lots of ideas included for how to make the patterns work with different types and weights of yarn as well as adding beads, working extra pattern repeats and advice on choosing colour combinations that will really make your projects shine.  The book is really clearly laid out and many of the versions of each pattern are photographed together showing just how much of a difference your yarn choices can make.  It's a really nice idea which reminded me of my habit of browsing Ravelry projects when I'm choosing a pattern to help me decide on yarns.  You could have so much fun making different versions of the designs to suit different people, perfect for knitting gifts for the festive season and beyond! 


Most of the projects can be knitted with just a couple of skeins so they'd be perfect to make as a guilt free new project or for using that odd variegated skein in your stash you've been waiting for just the right pattern to use with. 


I had a really hard time picking out my favourite design and yarn combination from all the different variations in the book, but in the end I chose this lovely version of the Affinity shawl, knitted using Cumulus and Scrumptious 4ply both in Water.  While the other versions of this pattern use bright semi-solid and variegated yarns for a bold fun look, the self-coloured stripes of this version teamed with a few beads give the shawl really sophisticated vibe, making it the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. 

I've been thinking about some of the other possibilities for colour combinations like this one.  If you want to go for a bold bright look, how about using the Magenta shade in both yarns, or Jen's Green in Scrumptious 4ply and Bottle Green in Cumulus?  If you prefer deeper shades, how about Scrumptious in Cherry and Cumulus in Ruby Red or Teal Scrumptious with Cumulus in Moonlight?  Or you could even combine a paler shade of Scrumptious like our new Glisten shade with Cumulus in Silver or a couple of paler shades like Oyster and Camel for a pretty, delicate effect.

Louise has kindly offered us a digital copy of Knit Play Colour to give away! 


To have a chance to win, leave a comment telling us your favourite design from the book and which Fyberspates yarns you would knit it in before midnight UK time  on Friday 16th October 2015.  You can see all the designs in the book on Ravelry here.  Good luck!  :)


Louise is also hosting a knitalong for the book in her Raverly group, check it out here! 


The next stop on the blog tour is Sweet Georgia Yarns on Monday. 

Holiday Gift Knitting Gets Scrumptious!

It's that time of year where, if you're anything like us, the Christmas decorations starting to go in the shops has suddenly reminded us the it's gift knitting time. We've been inundated with requests for quick to knit patterns and any news of yarn on discount to get you knitting.

To help you out, here is our round up of some knitting patterns for unisex accessories, single skein wonders and chunky items that work up quickly to give amazing results. We also sent out a list of retailers currently offering discounts on the yarn last week and will continue to do so in the fortnightly newsletter as we run up to the Holiday season. So if you're not signed up for the newsletter, make sure you are soon because we will be packing it with sales, discounts, patterns ideas and events to keep you feeling in good spirits this season.

Hats:
These single skein knitted hat patterns might be just the thing you need for your colleagues and loved ones.

Arncott by Jen Arnall-Culliford

The perfect unisex knitted hat, Arncott is worked up in Scrumptious 4ply. It's even photographed in the perfect Christmas colourway: Cherry Red!

Kenwyn by Rachel Coopey

The Kenwyn Hat featured in The Scrumptious Collection Volume 3 (which is currently 20% off the whole collection on Ravelry with the code TBTScrumptious3- ends at midnight). Worked up in Scrumptious Aran, this works up fast for a beautiful textured hat.

Garments:
There's just enough time to work up some heavier weight garments for you (hey, who doesn't want to gift themselves a sweater??) or your loved ones for Christmas.

Uffington by Jeni Hewlett

The perfect sweater vest- quick, a little detail and a feminine finish, Uffington calls for Scrumptious Chunky, our bulky weight luxury yarn.

Larigan by Amanda Crawford

Larigan is a beautiful cowl-neck sweater, with cosy moss stitch cuffs and all-over cable pattern. This is another quick knit from The Scrumptious Collection Volume 3 so go use that code to get knitting!

Gloves/ Mittens:
These are always welcome for all the family!

Hendred Mittens by Elly Doyle

Unisex, simple and warm these Hendred Mittens are a perfect single skein knitting pattern for Holiday knitting.

Hinksey by Lily Kate France

We love Hinksey Mittens as our go to mitten pattern for gifts. Beautiful cables make interesting detail while keeping the pattern simple enough to be unisex.

Shawls and Special Knits:
Sometimes you want to push the boat out. If you're pushed for time, these simple knits should get you great results without the headache.

Childry by Elly Doyle

Childry is our incredibly popular single skein shawl pattern. Ruffles, potato chip knitting and fast results. Perfect.

Sonning by Jen Arnall Culliford

Sonning is a shawl with interesting construction: the two side triangles are knitted first and are joined together with a delicate lace and twisted stitch panel. This means a large shawl that is easy travel knitting meaning you can double your knitting time!


Chunky Knits:
Fast and effective for when time is feeling a little tight.

Cogges Handwarmers by Jeni Hewlett

Cogges Handwarmers. These single skein chunky warmers are perfect for beginners wishing to try their hand at cables.

Rock Lea by Judy Furlong

Rock Lea is a fast and warm scarf pattern with cables and texture that maintain interest when knitting to give a perfect comforting gift. Another pattern from Volume 3- have we convinced you to purchase it yet?

Whatever you knit up in Scrumptious or from the Collections, please do come and show us in the Ravelry group. It's always great to hear what you're working on!