The FO reel: April-June 2020

I do a lot of crafting. Sometimes I make things that take a few hours, and some projects take years, but I am definitely guilty of finishing projects, then not thinking of them again, so I thought I'd put together a few finished object (FO) posts showcasing the projects I've finished so far this year. I'm going to focus on my yarn-related projects for the first couple of posts, but there might also be a sewing post if there is enough demand - the Covid lockdown inspired me to get that sewing machine out of the cupboard! This is the April-June 2020 installement, you can find the January-March 2020 installment here.

The FO-reel: April-June 2020

 Rainbow banners - one day all this will pass

Remember April? That strange month when we were indoors all the time. The lockdown has now eased, and it seems surreal to think that we were ever in that deep lockdown. These knits were my antidote to the lockdown: bright rainbow banners to hang in windows and let everyone know that we were still here and that we could make it through.

Ravelry project pages:*

• THANK YOU banner
• HAPPY banner
• Rainbow Heart banner
• Rainbow banner

Ravelry pattern page* (at the time of writing, the pattern is only available on Love Crafts, but I will be adding it to all my other places to purchase in the next week or so; Ravelry will list all the places you can get the pattern).

Hiding in the Bamboo socks - perfect for pandas as well as humans!

 I was sent some sock yarn by the lovely people at Love Crafts, and the colour inspired me to knit these socks inspired by bamboo - the colour reminded me of the stalks at our local boanic gardens, where the kids love to play hide and seek. The ribbed textre gives the socks lots of stretch too, which makes for a great fit.

The yarn is MillaMia Naturally Soft sock.**

Ravelry project page: Hiding in the Bamboo*

Want to buy the pattern? You can find it here.*

Easter weekend knit - Sparkle Pony socks

When I first started buying handdyed yarn, I fell in love with Cuddlebums yarn. Cuddlebums specialises in rainbows and I don't think she's ever dyed a colourway I don't like! This yarn was some that I got several years ago, but had never quite made it to the top of the pile. It's sparkly and pastel and rainbow, and I decided to knit it into socks over the Easter weekend.

The pattern is from my head, and I haven't managed to find time to write it up yet, but it's on the list. Hopefully I'll get on to it in the next few weeks.

Ravelry project page: Sparkle Pony socks

Gigantic socks!

My husband really likes hand knit socks, but socks in his size take forever to knit, so don't happen often. When I found this DK weight yarn in my stash, I decided that it would make good socks for him (DK weight = quicker to knit!). I rattled these out pretty quickly as they had roughly the same number of stitches as socks for me. The pair weighs 150 g, which means I should have enough for a second pair if I play around with the stripes...

Ravelry project page: Gigantic socks

Playing with Colourblocking

Image copyright I Like Knitting

 

I've been designing more garments this year, which has been really satsisfying. I'm really pleased with how my Soft Contrast Cardigan (designed for I Like Knitting) turned out. I've bought yarn to make one for myself as I designed it to be exactly the sort of thing I wear - it has pockets for throwing my keys into as I leave the house!

Ravelry project page: Soft Contrast Cardigan*

You can find out all about the pattern here.*

More Black and White - Just Checking In

Image copyright I Like Knitting

 Another pattern for I Like Knitting on the monochrome theme: the Just Checking In socks. These socks were really easy to knit as you add the vertical stripes at the end! So much fun - I think there may be more pairs in the future...

Ravelry project page: Just Checking In socks*

Find out all about the pattern here.*

The 'I meant to finish this in the spring' project - Daffodil socks

I have quite a collection of self-striping yarn, and could probably create my own 'knit through the seasons in stripes' KAL (I might do that next year...). I'd had this ball of yarn for a few years and wanted to knit it up in Spring. I cast these on before Spring, hoping I could wear them by around April 1st when the daffodils were out. Instead they took until June, and only then because I made a concerted effort to finish them one wet weekend. I love them, and can't wait to wear them in the Autumn. Maybe I'll manage a daffodil photo shoot next Spring?

Ravelry project page: Daffodil socks*

While I was finishing up socks... - Halloween socks

 

Speaking of seasonal socks not quite hitting their season: I cast on these Halloween socks in the Autumn. Then lost the project bag in mid-October. The bag finally turned up in a bag of Bags for Life in the Spring, and I got back to the socks in June. I am clearly ready for this Halloween! I knitted these socks as a sock snake (knitting a giant tube, then adding heels, toes and cuffs at the end). I didn't really enjoy the process, so I don't think I'll do it again...

Ravelry project page: Halloween socks*

********

The pattern links I have included in this blog post all lead to Ravelry. If you cannot use Ravelry, or would prefer not to, all my patterns can be found on LoveCrafts.**

* Ravelry link. Caution: readers with photosensitivity may be triggered by these pages.

**Affiliate link.

Seed Head socks: buy now and donate to a great cause!

Last month, I unveiled my Seed Head socks,* and have been delighted by their reception! Thank you for every like, favourite and purchase! If you haven't purchased yet, but were planning on doing so, until August 14th, I'll be donating £2 from each sale to the Flower Power Fund, which uses yarny loveliness to raise money for Marie Curie UK, a charity that supports people living with a terminal illness. At the time of writing, sales of my sock pattern have raised just over £200!

The Seed Head socks feature dip stitches that create shapes reminiscent of the seed heads that we see growing in the fields and hedgerows in the UK. The socks incorporate plenty of these dip stitches to create seed heads that sit on either side of a central, cabled stem. The dip stitches have the added advantage of being a lot of fun to knit, and once you have knitted a couple, they get much quicker to work! In case you are unfamiliar with dip stitches, I have included a photo tutorial at the end of the pattern to help you.

The Seed Head socks are knitted from the toe up and I’ve given two options for knitting the heel:

• A gusset and heel flap construction, shaped with short rows, with a slipped-stitch pattern on the heel flap for reinforcement. The gusset length is affected by your row/round gauge, so a table of gauge-dependent lengths is included to help you achieve the perfect fit.

• A short row heel.
  

The pattern includes instructions to knit either fully matching-socks, or mirrored, fraternal socks, and the instructions for the Seed Head pattern are given in both chart and written formats. The pattern is needle-neutral, and the socks can be knitted using DPNs, short circulars, or long circulars using the magic loop technique.

The sample was knitted in Tempo 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns, who very kindly provided yarn support for the design. The colourway used is Hibiscus, but Eden Cottage Yarns make many beautiful semi-solids that allow any design to sparkle.

From July 15th to August 14th 2020, £2 from each pattern sold will be donated to the Flower Power Fund. You can buy the pattern from my Ravelry* and PayHip stores. The pattern is also available on LoveCrafts.**

Want to see what the Flower Power Fund has planned for the rest of the year? Why not follow them on Instagram?

********

Here's everything you need to know about the pattern. If you want to add the pattern to your Ravelry queue or favourites, you can do so via the pattern page* - remember, the more people that buy the pattern, the more we'll raise for the Flower Power Fund!
 
Sizes
A (B, C, D, E, F)

Finished sock foot circumferences: 14 (16.5, 19, 22, 24.5, 27) cm [5.5 (6.5, 7.5, 8.75, 9.75, 10.75) in] designed to fit with 2.5 cm (1 in) negative ease. These are the sizes of the finished socks; for the best fit, choose a size that is approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) smaller than your foot circumference.

The stitch counts for the patterned panel are modified so that the cabled panels are the same width as the stocking stitch sole, this results in the socks fitting the same as a regular stocking stitch socks with a stitch count of 46 (54, 62, 70, 78, 86) sts.

Tension
32 sts x 44 rnds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch
23 sts = 6.3 cm (2.5 in) in SMALL Flower panel
23 sts = 7.4 cm (2.875 in) in LARGE Flower panel

All st patterns are worked in the rnd on 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles, or size needed to obtain correct gauge.

Notes are included to adapt the pattern to your rnd gauge.

Yarn
170 (240, 310, 400, 500, 610) m [190 (270, 340, 440, 550, 670) yds] of a dedicated 4 ply sock yarn.

Note that these numbers are for guidance only as the lengths of both the legs and the feet are variable to fit. The short row heel version will use less yarn than the heel flap and gusset version. See pattern notes for further guidance on yarn choice.

Needles

• 2.5 mm DPNs

• or a 2.5 mm circular needle at least 80 cm (32 in) in length

• or a 2.5 mm 20 cm (9 in) circular needle

Notions

• Stitch markers x 4 (you may wish to use 2 extra markers when you are working the Seed Head sts)
• 2.5 mm crochet hook, optional
• Tapestry needle
  

Pattern notes
The instructions are for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses: A (B, C, D, E, F).

If you have a limited quantity of yarn and you want to ensure you do not run out of yarn for the second sock, first wind the skein into two balls of equal mass, and stop knitting your first sock when your first ball is about to run out.

The socks shown are knitted in Eden Cottage Yarns Tempo 4 ply [4 ply; 100 m (436 yds) per 100 g skein; 75% merino wool, 25% nylon] in the colourway Hibiscus and size D for a UK women’s size 9.5 foot [foot length 27.25 cm (10.75 in)]. The sample socks used 360 m (394 yds) of yarn. Yarn support was provided by Eden Cottage Yarns; you can find all their yarns on their website: https://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/

I would recommend using a dedicated sock yarn for these socks, either a wool/nylon blend or a high-twist wool yarn.

I have included instructions for both a heel flap and gusset and a short row heel. It is totally up to you which you choose to do, but I find that if you have a high instep, a heel flap and gusset provides a better fit as there is more space in the heel.

Links to the following resources are given at the end of the pattern:

• Dip stitches
• Judy's Magic cast-on
• Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off
• Wrap and turn
• Choosing what size socks to knit
  

This pattern was tech edited by Jo Torr.

*Ravelry link. May affect people with photosensitivity.

**Affiliate link.

The FO-reel! January-March 2020

I do a lot of crafting. Sometimes I make things that take a few hours, and some projects take years, but I am definitely guilty of finishing projects, then not thinking of them again, so I thought I'd put together a few finished object (FO) posts showcasing the projects I've finished so far this year. I'm going to focus on my yarn-related projects for the first couple of posts, but there might also be a sewing post if there is enough demand - the Covid lockdown inspired me to get that sewing machine out of the cupboard!

The FO-reel: January-March 2020

FestiveSockalong 2019 - stripey Christmas socks in January!

I have something of a knitting tradition: I cast on festive socks in November, and finally finish them in January... I'm never sure how that happens, but I am a repeat-offender! These are last year's Christmas socks, knitted in sport-weight yarn (yes, they were heavier-weight socks and I still didn't finish them in time for Christmas!). The yarn (Wollgarnspinnerei Ferner Mally Socks III) was gifted to me by @JinyKnits on Instagram as I saw hers and commented how much I loved them!

Ravelry prohect page: FestiveSockalong 2019*

Contorto socks - toe-up, cabled beauties!

Next in my pile of FOs is my Contorto socks sample. A lot of my knits are pattern samples, but they are often in my size, so they drift from the pattern pile into my sock drawer. These socks were knitted toe-up and feature lots of lovely cables. They're knitted in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply, which is my go-to sock yarn as it shows off a pattern well, and wears like iron. If you want to make your own Contorto socks, you can find the pattern here.*

Ravelry project page: Contorto socks*

Effie socks - Malory Towers vibes

My Effie socks were knitted as part of my Midnight Feasts Collection, which all feature a frill at the base of the cuff for a vintage-vibe. I've been watching the BBC's adaptation of Malory Towers recently, and it's inspired the next couple of designs in the collection, so if frilly socks are your thing, keep your eyes peeled!

These socks are also knitted in West Yorkshire Spinners Siganture 4-ply, with Drops Fabel for the cream frill.

If you want to knit your own frilly socks, you can find the ebook and individual patterns here.*

Ravelry project page: Effie socks*

Fluffy White Clouds for a new baby

It's been a while since I knitted a Fluffy White Clouds Blanket. The pattern is one of my best-sellers, and it was lovely to be able to revisit it to knit for my new nephew. I tweaked the clouds a little (mostly through laziness - I only wanted to work on one set of clouds at a time, so I didn't start a new row of colouds until I had finished the last). I still love this pattern as much as when I designed it.

Want to knit your own? You can find the pattern page here.* If you prefer crochet, there's also a crochet version available here.*

Ravelry project page: Fluffy White Clouds for G*

Liquorice allsort socks

I was gifted some sock yarn by Paintbox Yarns a while ago, including this fabulous zebra-striping colourway (available here**). I made the socks as a long tube, then added the heels, cuffs and toes at the end. It's not my favourite way of knitting socks, as knitting a really long tube is incredibly boring, so I probably won't be knitting socks that way again, but the finished socks are fabulous. I used scraps for the heels, toes and cuffs, and chose colours that reminded me of liquorice allsorts, which are my favourite sweets. I love these socks now they're finished.

Ravelry project page: Liquorice Allsort socks*

Porteau mitts - everybody needs a pair of mitts

When I went to Yorkshire Yarn Fest in November last year, I cam across Castleview Yarns for the first time. The stall was an absolute treat, with so many amazing rich colourways. I chose DK in Evil Queen to make myself some mitts and I'm so glad I did as I love them, and they have made an excellent replacement for my old mitts that finally disintegrated at the end of last year. The pattern is Porteau by Megan Nodecker.*

Ravelry project page: Porteau Mitts*

Stripe a Pose - for those that like their stripes neon

Here we have the first magazine sample from my FO pile: Stripe a Pose.* This jumper was inspired by all my favourite shop-bought jumpers, which tend to be striped. The jumper was a response to a neons and neutrals call for submission, and while Parchment and Fiesta are not my go-to colours, I love them together (the sample is knitted in Stylecraft Special DK)! The sample is unfortunately not in my size, but I'm hoping to get round to knitting a bigger version for myself soon, probably in a classic Breton colourway. The pattern is published in I Like Knitting magazine; you can find the full details on the Ravelry pattern page.*

Ravelry project page: Stripe a Pose*

********

The pattern links I have included in this blog post all lead to Ravelry. If you cannot use Ravelry, or would prefer not to, all my patterns can be found on LoveCrafts.**

* Ravelry link. Caution: readers with photosensitivity may be triggered by these pages.

**Affiliate link.

Seed Head Socks: raising money for Marie Curie!

A few years ago, Sarah, a doctor at a Marie Curie hospice, launched the Flower Power Fund, which uses yarny loveliness to raise money for Marie Curie UK, a charity that supports people living with a terminal illness. At the end of last year, Sarah asked me if I would design a pattern that could be sold to raise money for the charity, and I was delighted to be able to say yes.

Several months later, I am thrilled to be able to unveil the design: my Seed Head socks.

The Seed Head socks feature dip stitches that create shapes reminiscent of the seed heads that we see growing in the fields and hedgerows in the UK. The socks incorporate plenty of these dip stitches to create seed heads that sit on either side of a central, cabled stem. The dip stitches have the added advantage of being a lot of fun to knit, and once you have knitted a couple, they get much quicker to work! In case you are unfamiliar with dip stitches, I have included a photo tutorial at the end of the pattern to help you.

The Seed Head socks are knitted from the toe up and I’ve given two options for knitting the heel:

• A gusset and heel flap construction, shaped with short rows, with a slipped-stitch pattern on the heel flap for reinforcement. The gusset length is affected by your row/round gauge, so a table of gauge-dependent lengths is included to help you achieve the perfect fit.

• A short row heel.
  

The pattern includes instructions to knit either fully matching-socks, or mirrored, fraternal socks, and the instructions for the Seed Head pattern are given in both chart and written formats. The pattern is needle-neutral, and the socks can be knitted using DPNs, short circulars, or long circulars using the magic loop technique.

The sample was knitted in Tempo 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns, who very kindly provided yarn support for the design. The colourway used is Hibiscus, but Eden Cottage Yarns make many beautiful semi-solids that allow any design to sparkle.

From July 15th to August 14th 2020, £2 from each pattern sold will be donated to the Flower Power Fund between now and August 14th 2020. You can buy the pattern from my Ravelry and PayHip stores. The pattern is also available on LoveCrafts.*

Want to see what the Flower Power Fund has planned for the rest of the year? Why not follow them on Instagram?

********

Here's everything you need to know about the pattern. If you want to add the pattern to your Ravelry queue or favourites, you can do so via the pattern page - remember, the more the pattern is shared, the more we'll raise for the Flower Power Fund!
 
Sizes
A (B, C, D, E, F)

Finished sock foot circumferences: 14 (16.5, 19, 22, 24.5, 27) cm [5.5 (6.5, 7.5, 8.75, 9.75, 10.75) in] designed to fit with 2.5 cm (1 in) negative ease. These are the sizes of the finished socks; for the best fit, choose a size that is approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) smaller than your foot circumference.

The stitch counts for the patterned panel are modified so that the cabled panels are the same width as the stocking stitch sole, this results in the socks fitting the same as a regular stocking stitch socks with a stitch count of 46 (54, 62, 70, 78, 86) sts.

Tension
32 sts x 44 rnds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch
23 sts = 6.3 cm (2.5 in) in SMALL Flower panel
23 sts = 7.4 cm (2.875 in) in LARGE Flower panel

All st patterns are worked in the rnd on 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles, or size needed to obtain correct gauge.

Notes are included to adapt the pattern to your rnd gauge.

Yarn
170 (240, 310, 400, 500, 610) m [190 (270, 340, 440, 550, 670) yds] of a dedicated 4 ply sock yarn.

Note that these numbers are for guidance only as the lengths of both the legs and the feet are variable to fit. The short row heel version will use less yarn than the heel flap and gusset version. See pattern notes for further guidance on yarn choice.

Needles

• 2.5 mm DPNs

• or a 2.5 mm circular needle at least 80 cm (32 in) in length

• or a 2.5 mm 20 cm (9 in) circular needle

Notions

• Stitch markers x 4 (you may wish to use 2 extra markers when you are working the Seed Head sts)
• 2.5 mm crochet hook, optional
• Tapestry needle
  

Pattern notes
The instructions are for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses: A (B, C, D, E, F).

If you have a limited quantity of yarn and you want to ensure you do not run out of yarn for the second sock, first wind the skein into two balls of equal mass, and stop knitting your first sock when your first ball is about to run out.

The socks shown are knitted in Eden Cottage Yarns Tempo 4 ply [4 ply; 100 m (436 yds) per 100 g skein; 75% merino wool, 25% nylon] in the colourway Hibiscus and size D for a UK women’s size 9.5 foot [foot length 27.25 cm (10.75 in)]. The sample socks used 360 m (394 yds) of yarn. Yarn support was provided by Eden Cottage Yarns; you can find all their yarns on their website: https://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/

I would recommend using a dedicated sock yarn for these socks, either a wool/nylon blend or a high-twist wool yarn.

I have included instructions for both a heel flap and gusset and a short row heel. It is totally up to you which you choose to do, but I find that if you have a high instep, a heel flap and gusset provides a better fit as there is more space in the heel.

Links to the following resources are given at the end of the pattern:

• Dip stitches
• Judy's Magic cast-on
• Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off
• Wrap and turn
• Choosing what size socks to knit
  

This pattern was tech edited by Jo Torr.

*Affiliate link.

Just Checking In Socks

After sharing one pattern from the August 2020 issue of I Like Knitting last week, today I get to share a second: the Just Checking In Socks.*

I love playing about with techniques when knitting, and came across this technique for making vertical stripes described in a book and thought I'd give it a go. You knit something with horizontal stripes (easy peasy), but also a ribbed texture, then at the end you use surface crochet or embroidery to add in the vertical stripes. Much easier than intarsia in the round, and the end result is really striking!

I am very much someone who believes that one size does not fit all when it comes to socks, so these socks are written for seven sizes, and you can knit them for the whole family.

The sample is knitted in Drops Fabel, a standard 75% wool, 25% nylon 4 ply sock yarn that is excellent value: knitting even the largest size will cost you under £10.** You can knit these socks in any sock yarn that takes your fancy - I think they'd look great if you used self-striping yarn as the main colour with a high-contrast contrast colour.

You can get the pattern for Just Checking In Socks in the August 2020 issue of I Like Knitting, an ezine that is available via a subscription model. If you would like to support me while you subscribe, please consider using my affiliate link.*

Want to add these to your Ravelry queue or favourites? You can find the pattern page here.

********

Time: 2 weeks pattern

Skill Level: Easy

Size: Finished Sock Circumference 5.25 (6.25, 7.25, 8.25, 9.25, 10.25, 11.25)”

1” negative ease recommended.

Shown in size 8.25”

Gauge: 32 sts and 44 rounds = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking

Materials

Yarn: Garnstudio Drops Fabel Uni Colour (75% Wool, 25% Polyamide; 224 yards [205 meters]/50 grams): 100 Off-white (MC, 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2) balls), 400 Black (CC, 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) balls)

Needles: US size 1.5 (2.5 mm) DPNs or circular at least 32” (80 cm) in length or circular 9” (22.5 cm) in length

Notions: Markers (7), tapestry needle, US size 1.5 (2.5 mm) crochet hook (optional)

Pattern Notes

The socks are knitted from the cuff down, starting with a 1 x 1 ribbed cuff in black.

The socks are knitted using a 5-row stripe sequence with purl columns that are surface crocheted or embroidered over at the end to add the vertical stripes.

The socks have a heel-flap and gusset construction with a slipped stitch texture on the heel flap for reinforcement.

The toe is Kitchener-free and is knitted in black.

The socks are knitted from the top down using a standard heel flap and gusset construction. The foot length of the socks is adjustable to fit.

The pattern is written to be needle-neutral and can be knitted using either the magic-loop technique, short circulars, or DPNs, depending on your individual preference.

*Affiliate link.

**Price correct in July 2020.

All images copyright I Like Knitting.

Soft Contrast Cardigan: perfect for the school run!

I've been busy over the past few months working on secret projects, so it's a delight to finally be able to share one with you!

My Soft Contrast Cardigan* is right up my street: longline cardigans are the perfect casual piece to have on hand for quick trips out of the house or for cozying up with a cup of coffee. I designed the cardigan with the school run in mind - a garment to have to hand when you need to nip out of the house, but it's just too warm to need a coat. This cardigan uses marling for a blocked look that creates a soft contrast between the cream and the black (not tried marling before? It's really easy, you just work with two strands of yarn at the same time to mix the colours up).

If you fancy a brighter look, you could try marling coloured yarns to make a really eye-catching garment.

One other feature this cardigan has is a deal-maker for me: pockets! I love a cardigan with pockets, so had to add some - perfect for carrying your keys and maybe a snack for a quick trip out of the house.

The yarn for the Soft Contrast Cardigan is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply,* whish is my favourite sock yarn. The yarn combines British wool with nylon, perfect for making a garment that is simultaneously warm and breathable, and will stand up to wear and tear.

You can get the pattern for Soft Contrast Cardigan in the August 2020 issue of I Like Knitting, an ezine that is available via a subscription model. If you would like to support me while you subscribe, please consider using my affiliate link.*

Want to add the pattern to your Ravelry favourites or queue? You can find the pattern page here.

********

Time: 1 month pattern

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size: Finished Bust Size 30.25 (33.75, 38.25, 41.75, 46.25, 49.75, 54.25, 57.75, 62.25, 65.75)” to fit bust 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)”

0-2.25” positive ease recommended.

Shown in size 33.75”

Gauge: 18 sts and 25 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st using yarn held double after wet blocking
Materials

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply (75% Wool, 25% Nylon; 436 yards [400 meters]/100 grams): 010 Milk Bottle (A, 3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5)  balls), 099 Liquorice (B, 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) balls)

Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm) 40” and 16” circular, US size 7 (4.5 mm) DPNs

Notions: Markers (6), removable markers (2), spare needles/waste yarn for holding live sts, spare needle for joining rows of live sts

Pattern Notes
This cardigan is knitted from the top down with set-in sleeves.

Pockets are worked into the fabric of the cardigan towards the hem.

The stitches for the sleeves are picked up around the armholes and the sleeves are knitted down to the cuffs.

The cardigan is finished with an applied i-cord edging that is worked at the end.

The cardigan is knitted using two strands of 4 ply yarn held double, with the top and bottom sections being marled in two strands of the same color and the middle portion being knitted in one strand of each color.

*Affiliate link.

All images copyright I Like Knitting.

Palm-tastic cushion cover: available now in my Ravelry and LoveCrafts stores!

Fancy adding a little touch of the tropics to your living room? Look no further with this bold palm-frond intarsia cushion cover!

The Palm-tastic Cushion Cover is knitted in a single strip, starting with a ribbed section, then a stocking stitch panel for the back; the front is knitted in stocking stitch with the palm-frond motif incorporated using the intarsia technique. Finally, the back is knitted, finished with a ribbed section featuring buttonholes to fasten the cushion cover. The side seams are joined using mattress stitch.

This pattern includes both written and charted instructions for the palm-frond motif (Ravelry and LoveCrafts versions only - the I Like Knitting pattern features a chart only).

Image copyright I Like Knitting

Palm-tastic Cushion Cover is available now in my Ravelry store: use the code LEAF to get 25% off (ends 11.59pm BST, Tuesday 30th June 2020) or add two patterns to your basket to get buy one, get one free, no code needed (ends when the pubs reopen in the UK).

If you prefer to get your patterns from LoveCrafts, you can pick up the pattern there. The pattern is available at the introductory price of £3 until 11.59pm BST, Tuesday 30th June 2020.*

Sizes
One size: 43.5 cm x 43 cm (17.25 in square)

Tension
Flat knitting:
18 sts and 25 rows = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch worked flat on 5 mm (US 8) needles after wet blocking, or size needed to obtain correct tension.

Yarn
Aran-weight yarn in the following colours and amounts:

• MC (pale pink): 405 m (445 yds)
• CC (green): 145 m (160 yds)
  

Needles

• 5 mm (US 8) straight needles

Notions

• Tapestry needle
• Buttons x 5, 25 mm (1 in)
• Bobbins for holding the different yarn colours during colourwork
• Chart row marker
• Removable stitch markers x 4
• 45 cm (18 in) square cushion pad
  

Pattern notes
The sample is knitted in Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran* [aran, 180 m (196 yds) per 100 g ball, 50% wool, 50% acrylic] in 849 Candyfloss Pink (MC) and 830 Evergreen (CC).

This pattern was first published as Palm-tastic Pillow in I Like Knitting, June 2019.

This pattern was tech edited by Jo Torr.

*Affiliate link.