Ripples Shawl Knitting Pattern

Keeping busy and a positive mind set is something to be aimed for and never more than during this time of Covid-19. Knitting is something which helps me to stay occupied and focused generally but especially so now. 

This latest pattern is a shawl which uses a variegated cotton blend yarn with contrast stitches creating ripple effects. It's a wrap to use as a cover up when sitting outside (hopefully) enjoying the unpredictable summer weather. 

The yarn is from Stylecraft and inspired by the artist Monet. This shade of blue called Giverny gives an hint of the artists work and reminiscent of his painting the Water Lilies. A definite summery  blue vibe with hints of soft pink. The ripple effects are created using two solid colour shades of Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK.

Ripples Shawl knitting pattern is available to download from Ravelry. 

Read on if you'd like further details about the pattern.

Skills required

Cast on, cast off, knit, purl, knit 2 stitches together, slip stitches, knit into the front and back of a stitch.

Yarn

(A) Main colour, x4 Stylecraft Monet aran 100g 183m/200yds shade, Giverney #3971

(B) Contrast colour, x1 Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK, 50g 92m/100yds, shade Grey Blue #3965

(C) Contrast colour, x1 Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK, 50g 92m/100yds, shade Ivory #3665

Needles

5.5mm circular knitting needle 60cm long to accommodate number of stitches

Notions 

Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Size

190cm (74inches) long x 35cm (14 inches) wide

Ripples Shawl is available to download from Ravelry.

Bambino Awesome Avocado

Awesome Avocado is the name of this warm yellow yarn. It's a new colour addition to the Bambino DK baby yarn from Stylecraft. 

Super soft and lovely to work with this premium 100% acrylic is machine washable and perfect for baby garments.

A selection of new baby knitting patterns launched with the Awesome Avocado (there's also All at Sea, a lovely teal shade added too). 

There are two hat patterns which are suitable for boys/girls and both have pompom finishing touches. (Stylecraft pattern numbers 9761 and 9757). I made a hat combining elements of both designs. I particularly enjoyed knitting the Irish Moss stitch which is a simple four row repeat and creates a lovely textured surface.

My yarn sample Awesome Avocado looks great with Purple Passion, Bellisima DK.

This was a quick and easy knitting project, loved the super soft yarn and the colours together.

SS20 Naturals Yarn

I've been testing a lovely new yarn called Stylecraft Naturals, a blend of 40% cotton and 60% bamboo. 

There are a total of 43 lovely chalky colours in the range. The yarn is DK weight in 100g balls and 250m in length. In this Spring/Summer 2020 season release there are 8 core shades with pattern support, they are Lilac, Lavender, Sea Foam, Surf, Citronelle, Spring Green, Pale Pink and Coral.

Surf and Sea Foam shades look particularly appealing to me.

Combining them to make a sweet little top down baby cardigan.

My regular 'go to' place for knitting patterns is Ravelry, on this occasion in search of a super easy pattern for a baby cardigan. The requirements of DK weight, size 0-6 months and yarn quantity of no more than 250m, the pattern ‘Baby Kina’ by Muriela fitted all the criteria.

Choosing to make the cardigan in the up to 3 month old size I used 3.25mm needles for the collar and 3.75mm for the body. The pattern sizing goes from 3, 6, 12 to 18 months.

There are instructions for both a short and long sleeved version. Having opted for the short sleeve version, I'm hoping the weather will be warmer when my intended recipient is wearing it.

The yarn is soft, smooth and easy to handle. As well as being a great cotton yarn to work with it has a lovely drape for garments. 

I loved working with this yarn and pattern. Knitting another cardi in a larger size using this yarn is a definite possibility in the future.