New Pattern Release :: Tracks in the Snow

Brrrrr it's been getting mighty chilly overnight here in the Forest of Dean - no frost yet but morning schoolrun temperatures have been around 5°C, add in that wind chill (oh the joy of hilltop living) and I think I have been perfectly justified in piling on ALL the woollies!!

a big woolly hug..

We are really hoping for some snow this year as it's been a bit sparse the last couple of winters - some good, deep, crunchy snow to stomp around in and build snowpeople with. Not so keen on snowball fights but the boys love them!

When the temperatures drop and the world is blanketed in snow and ice what you basically need is a big woolly hug to keep you warm whilst you play in all that wonderful white stuff (or fight your way through the chaos to get to work/school - I know snow isn't always welcome!) and that's where the inspiration for my new pattern comes from.

Tracks in the Snow is knitted in super bulky wool yarn - I used Drops Polaris for my sample but Wool and the Gang's Crazy Sexy Wool or we are knitters The Wool would both work fabulously well - and uses 15mm needles (I use beautiful sustainable birch wood needles by Brittany - they are simply wonderful to knit with and, although a US company, they are widely available online in the UK).


Thanks to yarn and needle size it's a super fast knit. The pattern is easy to memorise and the scarf requires minimal finishing (a quick light steam blocking with your iron on the reverse of the work is all it needs) so you could knit your scarf in an evening - perfect if the weather report mentions an unexpected chill!
 

Bulky wool is perfect for textured stitches - I think this lovely skyp stitch looks beautiful against the stocking stitch background!

slipped stitches at each edge give a lovely neat finish

The chunky fringe adds a touch of luxury

Tracks in the Snow is available to buy from Ravelry now 

Click here

 

Garn Studio needs your help!

just a small selection of my Drops collection...

I am big fan of the Drops range of yarns by Norwegian company Garn Studio. They have an extensive range of gorgeous high quality yarns at prices to suit the most budget conscious crafters and are easily available via mail order (I purchase most of mine from the wonderful Wool Warehouse).

They also have a very impressive catalogue of patterns available to support their yarns. Pattern books are published several times a year and, for those of you who don't like having pattern books cluttering up your shelf, the entire back catalogue of individual patterns (nearly 92,000 of them!) is available to download from their website for free!

Garn Studio have just announced the shortlist of patterns for their Autumn/Winter 2016 collection and they want us - the people who buy and create with their yarns - to chose our favourites for publication later this year. There is an amazing array of patterns to choose from, from sweaters and jackets to ponchos, shawls and bags along with socks, slippers, hats and gloves. There are even some skirts and dresses and a selection of home accessories too! And these are not just for knitters - there are lots of crochet patterns as well.


If you fancy having a say in their Autumn Winter Collection why not nip over and check out the list here. Garn Studio are asking you to chose your 10 favourite designs (only 10! It's not easy...) with the most popular designs being included in the season pattern booklets.

I have cast my vote and already have my eye on a beautiful alpaca shawl (pattern z-752) and a loose flowing sleeveless jacket in alpaca boucle (pattern ab-068) so perfect for layering, so I really hope those two make the final selection!

What will you choose? I would love to hear your thoughts on this collection!