July 2022 – Black Isle Yarns

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The enormous and cosy Eanaich Shawl is designed by Tyne Swedish as as part of the Perspectives Collection. When you can’t be with your loved ones, knitting is a way to hold them close. Think of someone as you stitch and those memories will burst forth every time you pick up your project; later the warmth of your friendship will enrich the warmth of your shawl.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

The traditional stitches and construction of a hap shawl – a seed stitch rectangle bordered with a feather and fan lace – create a family keepsake to treasure for generations. Choose just two colours for classic style, or paint an exuberant rainbow.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for the Eanaich Shawl.

Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
One size

Length: 177cm / 70.75 in
Depth: 102 cm / 40.75 in

Tension
15 sts and 30 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in seed stitch

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring. The tension is not critical for this project, but will affect the amount of yarn used and the size of the finished shawl.

Techniques
Provisional cast-on, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, lace knitting, splicing (optional), decrease cast-off

Notions
Tapestry needle
8 stitch markers
Waste yarn and crochet hook for provisional cast-on
Spare circular knitting needle, 3.5 mm or smaller

Needles
3.5 mm circular needles, 150cm / 60 in cable length

Yarn
Version 1:
MC: Haar; 2 x 110g skeins, 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Sand; 1 x 50g skein
CC2: Gold; 1 x 50g skein
CC3: Damson; 1 x 50g skein
CC4: Pearl; 1 x 50g skein

Version 2:
MC: Moss Green; 2 x 110g skeins
CC1: Haar; 2 x 110g skeins

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The Inshriach Hat is my first design and I am very grateful for Emily William’s help in bringing my vision to life. Inshriach is designed as part of the Perspectives Collection. Scotland’s remaining native pinewoods are perhaps our most precious and evocative habitats – a link to the past. Spending time in these majestic woods with snow falling and stars shining is the most magical of experiences.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings).

This simple colourwork hat (just two colours per row) will keep you warm and cosy on your woodland adventure – be it a wander on the coldest and most wintry of nights, or just a late picnic on a chilly Scottish summer evening. The deep ribbed brim can be folded for warmth and a neat fit, or worn unfolded with more slouch. With or without a pompom you’ll have a new favourite hat for all your outdoor trips.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for the Inshriach Hat.

Inshriach Hat by Julie Rutter in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
1 (2, 3)

Shown in Size 2 with 2 cm / 0.75 in negative ease.

Circumference: 48 (53, 57.5) cm / 19.25 (21, 23) in
Depth: 23 (25.5, 28) cm / 9.25 (10.25, 11.25) in

Tension
25 sts and 31 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, im stranded colourwork using larger needles.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Tubular cast-on (optional), stranded colourwork, knitting in the round, reading charts

Notions
6 (7, 7) stitch markers, type A
4 (4, 5) stitch markers, type B
Tapestry needle
Optional – medium sized pompom maker and a length of strong smooth yarn

Needles
2.75 mm circular needles or DPNs
3.25 mm circular needles or DPNs

Choose needles according to your preference for working small circumferences in the round.

Yarn
Version 1:
MC Haar; 1 x 30g skein
CC Dark Indigo; 1 x 50g skein

Version 2:
MC: Haar; 1 x 30g skein
CC1: Raspberry; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Damson; 1 x 30g skein
CC3: Pearl; 1 x 30g skein

Errata for Inshriach Hat.

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The cosy Balvattan Mittens are designed by my lovely friend Julia Billings. A winter’s break in one of the most beautiful glens of Scotland brought into focus the subtle, repeating lines found in snow-bearing clouds and luminous winter sunsets. These echoing lines found in nature, while often irregular like the stacked silhouettes of mountains and ripples in water, allow our eyes to rest in a very particular way.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Balvattan Mittens are designed in the round in stocking stitch, the mitts are then turned inside out to highlight the texture of its reverse side. With a long cuff and dense, flannel-like fabric to keep the wind out, a comfortable shaped thumb gusset and rounded peak, these simple, practical mittens fit easily in the pocket of a walking jacket.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for Balvattan Mittens.

Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
1 (2, 3)

Shown in sizes 1 and 3 with zero ease.

Circumference: 17 (19, 21) cm / 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) in
Length: 28 (29, 30) cm / 11 (11.5, 12) in
Length from fingertip to thumb joint: 13 (13.5, 14.5) cm / 5, (5.25, 5.75) in

Tension
30 sts nd 40 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in stocking stitch.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Backwards loop cast-on, long-tail purlwise cast-on (optional), knitting in the round, reading charts, picking up stitches.

Needles
2.75mm circular needles or DPNs.
Choose needles according to your preference for working small circumferences in the round.

Notions
Tapestry needle
2 stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders

Yarn
Version 1 (size 1):
MC: Haar; 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Pearl; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Damson; 1 x 30g skein

Version 2 (size 3):
MC; Dark Indigo; 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Light Indigo; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Brick; 1 x 30g skein

Note: The mitts are worked inside out, with the wrong side facing. MC and CC1 can be carried up the front of the work (wrong side) when not in use. CC2 should be broken and rejoined each time it is used.

Alternatively, spit splice the yarn at each colour change.

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The beautiful Feshie Shawl is designed by Maddie Harvey as part of the Perspectives Collection. The sensory shock of wild swimming – icy water, splashes, currents and warm sun on skin – commands your full attention even as it refreshes and restores you. This shivering charge inspires a shawl that uses lace and texture to suggest the meandering tributaries of Highland rivers, their small islands and inlets and even their smooth pebbles.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me). Additionally Maddie has released Feshie as an individual pattern and you can purchase it directly from Maddie’s Ravelry or Payhip.

The Feshie Shawl’s lacy sections are set against opaque garter stitch and waving stocking stitch columns. The shawl is knitted from side to side in two halves, joined together with a three- needle cast-off after the knitting is complete.

Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
One size

Length: 264 cm / 104 in
Depth: 78 cm / 30.75 in

Tension
18sts and 21 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, lace pattern.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring. The tension is not critical for this project, but will affect the amount of yarn used and the size of the finished shawl.

Techniques
Reading charts, lace knitting, 3-needle cast-off (instructions provided)

Notions
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (optional)
1 spare needle, 4.5 mm or smaller

Needles
4.5 mm needles
5.5 mm needle

Yarn
2 x 110 g skeins

Shown in Raspberry in version 1 and Haar in version 2.

Feshie Shawl in Auchen Sport Haar (undyed) and Raspberry (cochineal)

Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey in Auchen Sport

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The Pityoulish Vest is designed by Emily K Williams as part of the Perspectives Collection. My lovely friend Emily’s design uses simple lace to suggest rippling waters on a relaxed top that is perfect for a walk on those days that aren’t quite as warm as they might be.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Pityoulish is worked from the top down, casting on for the back with the shoulders and neck shaped using short rows in the garter yoke. Once the back is worked to the armholes, stitches are picked up for the front yoke. After joining in the round at the underarm the remainder of the body is knit in the round. Stitches are picked up for the cap sleeves, which are gently shaped using short rows in garter stitch.

Pityoulish Vest designed by Emily K Williams in Auchen Sport, photo by Jeni Reid

Sizes
Modelled in Size 5 with 15 cm/6 in positive ease at full bust, and in Size 2 with 10 cm/ 4 in positive ease at full bust.

Bust circumference: 87.5 (98, 109, 120, 131, 142, 152.5, 163.5) cm / 35 (39.25, 43.75, 48, 52.25, 56.75, 61, 65.5) in

Tension
22 sts and 32 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in stocking stitch using larger needles.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Knitting in the round, reading charts, lace knitting, short rows, picking up stitches

Notions
Tapestry needle
2 stitch markers
2 lockable stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders

Needles
3 mm circular needles
3 mm double-pointed needles (optional)
3.5 mm circular needles

Yarn
2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) x 100g skeins

Shown in Haar in size 2 and Dragon in size 5.

Errata for Pityoulish Vest.

Pityoulish Vest in Auchen Sport Haar (undyed) and Dragon (fustic and indigo)

6th July 202229th December 2023 Julie

The Rothiemurchus Cowl, designed by Mieka John of Salt and Stone Knits, has recently been issued as a single pattern and updated to include multiple sizes. The pattern was originally designed as part of the ‘Perspectives Collection’ specifically for this special design collection in book format, which I produced and was co-edited with my good friend Emily K Williams. You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other superb patterns – the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

The inspiration for the Rothiemurchus Cowl is the iconic Scots pine – gnarled and twisted with age, an enduring remnant of the primeval Caledonian forest. The deep texture of the tuck stitches mirrors the bark of these ancient trees, forming an airy, wind-resistant fabric that protects you in four dense layers. Rothiemurchus can be knit in Auchen Sport or Shetland Heavy 4ply/Sport.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
4 sizes: Baby (Child, Adult S-M, Adult L-XL)

Samples are knit in Child and Adult S-M sizes. See photos for measurements.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Shetland Heavy 4ply/Sport (photo by Cross and Woods)

Construction
Rothiemurchus Cowl is knit sideways in the round to create a long tube and grafted together. It starts with a provisional cast-on and a short stockinette band to get in the flow. Simple tuck stitch patterns (adapted from Nancy Marchant’s book “Tuck Stitches”) are worked in two long sections divided by stockinette. The cowl finishes with another band of stockinette, making it very easy to graft closed. Feel free to graft straight for better drape when worn as a single long loop, or add a moebius twist for a better fold when wrapped double.

Gauge
Stockinette: 21 sts by 28 rnds on Needle A

Tuck Stitch Patterns 1 and 2: 18 sts by 39 rnds on
Needle B

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Needles
Needle A:
Suggested Size: US 7 / 4.5 mm

Needle B:
Suggested Size: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Techniques
Provisional cast-on, tuck stitches, knitting in the round, grafting (Kitchener stitch)

Notions
Crochet hook (for provisional cast-on)
Waste yarn or stitch holders
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
1 spare circular needle, 4.5 mm or smaller

Yarn
Adult Version 1: Auchen
MC: Light Indigo; 1 x 110g skein
CC: Dark Indigo; 1 x 110g skein

Adult Version 2: Auchen
MC: Haar; 1 x 110g skein
CC: Brick; 1 x 110g skein

Child Shetland
MC: Brick; 1x 110g skein
CC: Light Madder; 1x 110g skein

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