Author: Julie

Auchen – new spin Light DK not Sport

Julie

This blog post explains an unexpected difference in the way my latest batch of Auchen was spun. I recorded an Instagram video here which contains all the main details – in case you would rather listen to than read the details. You can listen/watch here.

I discovered just bfore Christmas that unfortunately the latest batch of Auchen was spun differently from my order request, which was for a match of the previous Sport weight batch. I received an advance lot of the batch in October and the bulk of it just recently. As I started working with the main part of the batch I began feeling that there was a difference but it took me a while to work out exactly what it is – in fact the batch has been three plied rather than two plied, and is 260m/100g (250m/approx 95g skein) rather than 375m/100g (410m/approx 110g skein). It seems crazy that this didn’t become apparent sooner but it just never occurred to me that it would not have been spun as ordered. Given that Auchen is woollen spun it is quite fuzzy and the individual plies aren’t very apparent unless you really look.

As I’m sure you can imagine, working out that the new spin is different came as a horrible shock. Since making the discovery I have sorted a large wholesale order which was due to be sent off imminently, made rapid changes to a new design which was almost complete, have contacted all website customers who have some of this new batch, plus sent a newsletter asking all who have bought Auchen since late October to contact me. However, based on the number of emails since sending the newsletter, I am concerned that a number of customers, in particular some who bought Auchen at Glasgow School of Yarn, are still not aware that their yarn may not suit their original plans. If anyone wonders whether they have the newer batch of Auchen please can they contact me by email (mail@blackisleyarns.co.uk) so that I can help provide a solution.

I have three possible suggestions for anyone who has the newer batch of Auchen, as way of trying to apologise and compensate for this error. I’ll mention first though my thoughts in terms of how the Light DK compares to the Sport it was supposed to be. Dependent on the project it is used for it is likely to be possible to use the yarn for Sport weight projects as well as Light DK to DK weight projects – it is light and airy, as per the two plied Sport version, and can be knit on smaller needles. The three plies give the yarn a more rounded character and, being woollen spun, it will fill out if knit as a DK weight. The colourwork mittens pattern for my Hirsel collaboration was almost completed, designed for three sizes of mitten using the very last of my previous Sport batch. Frustratingly the yarn sets I can put together and send out with the pattern will now be in the Light DK. Alex very kindly immediately set to work on knitting with the Light DK to test and rewrite the pattern for this unexpected new weight– she has found that by dropping needle by one size she can match stitch gauge (row gauge is a little out). The Hirsel Collection is still due to be posted out in the middle of January as originally planned and will include the newly rewritten pattern and beautiful sets in Auchen Light DK.

I will do more testing and swatching of the Light DK over the next few weeks and, when I can, will provide as much information as I can to help knitting the Light DK weight. I am hopeful that many of the Perspectives designs can still be knit at this new weight (and in fact I know that a customer has knit one of the largest Pityoulish Vest sizes successfully to gauge with four skeins of the Light DK rather than three of the Sport). I will be away at the beginning of January until w/b 16th Jan and have removed Auchen from the shop temporarily until I return and can amend the online details properly.

For those who have bough the three plied Auchen Light DK:

If you have just one skein and were planning a hat or mittens you should still be able to go ahead as planned (although you could consider a design for a slightly heavier weight of yarn if wanted). If you were planning a bigger project you may now not have enough yarn unfortunately, for which I am very sorry indeed. To try to resolve things as best as I can I have the following suggestions:

  1. keep the Light DK, if you feel it will work for what you planned and that you will have enough, and email me for a £9 refund per skein
  2. return all the Light DK you have and I will refund in full
  3. if you’d like to keep the Light DK but now won’t have enough yarn for your plans then i) I can send additional skeins if I have more of the same dye batch (this is straightforward if you have Haar (undyed)), or ii) send back the skeins you have and I will dye a new batch, in a similar shade, with an increased number of skeins

For any queries or refund/exchange/additional skeins requests please email me mail@blackisleyarns.co.uk .

I hope the above options make sense and that one of them seems as if it would be a reasonable option for you? ‘Reasonable’ – in as much as your plans may well have been completely messed up, for which I really do apologise. If you have a different suggestion which would suit you better then please do just let me know. I really am so very sorry for all this mess and will try to resolve things as best as I can for you.

I should also add that I will have a batch of Auchen Sport spun as soon as I can. But, realistically, this probably won’t be complete until early 2024. I will send off summer 2023’s fleeces as soon as I can and hope that the mill will spin the batch as a priority.

Glasgow School of Yarn, Barra, Soiree Sweater and Fire Shadows Hat

Julie

Hello, I hope that all is well with you? It is well and truly autumn here and we are being treated to some glorious colours. The last couple of weeks have been full of preparation for Glasgow School of Yarn which I am very much looking forward to attending this coming weekend………..apart from dealing with the parking and navigating in the city! I’m much more comfortable with rural driving and Glasgow always seems to have a baffling number of one-way streets. I’m sure they make complete sense when you know the layout but, as a not very frequent visitor, they have been confusing me ever since the mid 1990s when I first visited one of my brothers who was studying there. 

Arrabella Woods

Earlier this month though I had a wonderful few days visiting Barra, one of the southernmost islands in the Outer Hebrides. I was joining some of my very lovely swimming buddies and should have travelled out by ferry. However unfortunately my ferry was cancelled with a few hours notice and it looked as if the ferry service would be uncertain for a few more days. Rather than miss joining my friends I decided to fly out the following day. The flight from Glasgow, in the very small Twin Otter plane, was mostly in the cloud but we dropped below the cloud for landing which was just as spectacular as you could imagine given that the plane lands on the beach (Traigh Mor, or Big Beach)! When I was around 10 we spent a week in Barra and I distinctly remember watching the plane land on the beach as we waited to collect my Grannie who was joining us for a few days. Anyhow, I thoroughly enjoyed this special way of travelling to Barra, not something I ever imagined that I would do. We spent our time walking and exploring the island and the neighbouring Vatersay. The weather was mostly wet and windy but we did have a few hours of beautiful sunshine and made the most of that afternoon with a fantastic swim from Vatersay’s Bagh Bhatarsaigh. 

Glasgow School of Yarn

I’m very much looking forward to this year’s Glasgow School of Yarn this Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th October. The event is held in the lovely old Trades Hall which is in the Merchant City and not far from the city centre. I think the main tickets for Saturday are now sold out but there are still some staggered entry tickets left and there are still main tickets available for Sunday. Ticket info can be found by following this link, and location info is here. I will be on the first floor in the Grand Hall (there is a lift as well as the stairs). I’d love to see you if you fancy a day at this lovely event.

I’m afraid that I have been so focused on dyeing that I don’t have any beautiful yarn photos to show you, though I thought you might like to see the photo below which is the very last of the newly dyed skeins drying on the washing line this afternoon. I will have a lot of yarn with me – as well as dyeing more Balblair DK, Killen Sock and the latest batch of Longwool Blend* I have been dyeing the new batch of Auchen Sport. Those of you who have received my newsletters for a while will know of the delays in spinning this next batch – I still don’t have the bulk of it back but I did manage to get an advance portion of the batch sent to me before the remainder was sent off for post-spin scouring.

The new batch of Auchen, I’m delighted to say, is just as lovely as the first and is a very similar shade of oatmeal grey. I had wondered whether there was a similar enough proportion of dark Shetland fleeces (a tiny amount amongst the remaining white BFL, Shetland and Cheviot fleeces) to end up with a close match to the first batch. There is a slight difference but close enough that I’ll keep calling the undyed shade Haar. 

* The latest batch of Longwool Blend has a slightly different m/100g  and is 275m/100g.

A couple of new finished knits
I have a couple of finished knits which I’m very happy about. I’m not the fastest of knitters and don’t often get as much knitting time as I’d like so finishing anything a knit always feels like an achievement.

The first is a lovely wee colourwork hat which I couldn’t resist starting quite recently. It is published in the latest issue of the Making Stories magazine, issue 8 with Campfire as the theme. The hat is the Fire Shadow and is designed by Mara Licole. I thoroughly enjoyed the pattern and would happily knit more. I slightly shortened the length to reduce the slouch a little but otherwise knit to the pattern (Size 1). I do plan to add a pom pom to mine, hopefully before setting off for Glasgow on Friday! I used Shetland DK for the hat and have enough left for a second hat in the same colour combination, and certainly two skeins of Shetland DK should be enough to knit two hats in all sizes if the colours were reversed for the second hat. There isn’t a great deal of Shetland DK left in the shop but it shouldn’t be too long before the next batch is back. 

The second knit is a sweater which I have been working on for several months. It is the Soiree Sweater by Emily Foden (I can only find a Ravelry link), a design I have had my eye on for quite a while.  When I first handled Balblair DK I felt that it would be ideal for the Soiree, and that its drape should work well with the over-sized style of the sweater. I knit size 2 and it is by no means perfect. I haven’t knit cables very often and there is the odd one which is a bit wonky but which I decided to leave since the sweater is for me. I lengthened the body a little before splitting for the sleeves but then, after reaching the neckline decided I wanted more depth so added another two (I think) repeats of the main chart. This worked in terms of length but completely threw off the neckline and armholes and required quite a bit of fudging when picking up stitches for both. I tried it on part-way down the first sleeve to get a better feel for the body length and whether my sleeve picking up had worked reasonably well. At this point it struck me that I quite liked the sleeve as it was and decided to go for short sleeves – I’ll wear it much more like this, especially when I’m dyeing. I love the sweater and have had it on all week since it finished blocking – but I have to say that I didn’t find it the easiest pattern. I think that is largely due to me but do be aware that it might not be a pattern to whizz through without any thinking involved. 

In terms of the yarn Balblair DK has worked beautifully for this sweater. It has a lovely textural but still soft handle and has beautiful drape and lustre. Quite early on in the sweater knitting I worried about the amount of curl on the bottom hem and mentioned this on Instagram. I was given lots of fantastic advice, which was really helpful. I decided to try blocking it first, not really expecting that would be sufficient to reduce the curl, but hoping it might help before I tried some of the other suggested remedial actions. Much to my surprise a wet block and pin to hold the curl out was all that was needed, and the same treatment has beautifully on the neck and sleeve hems. 

Hirsel Collection
Thanks so much for all the interest in the Hirsel Collection. I have really enjoyed pulling this collection together and working with the lovely, talented local women whose special hand-crafted items are included. There are still a few sets left but I will be closing orders on Tuesday morning so that we each have enough time to make our contributions to the sets. You can read more about Hirsel here and all the details are in the shop here.

Shop Update
I’ll close the shop on Friday morning, except for the Hirsel Collection listing, in advance of Glasgow School of Yarn. I plan to keep it closed next week to catch up on work admin and some household and garden tasks too. I expect to re-open the shop during w/b 7th November and will send an email to let you know when it is back up and running. There should be lots of new yarn colours, especially in Auchen Sport which has been very low in stock for quite a while, as I have dyed loads for this weekend’s event!

I’ll look forward to being back in touch in a couple of weeks or so and hope that all is well with you in the meantime. With best woolly wishes, Juliex

Hirsel – A Winter Collection

Julie
Wintry Loch Ness, colour inspiration for the yarn set
The Hirsel Collection is a collaboration between myself and several fantastic local makers. I have been planning this collection for quite some time as I’m keen to showcase some of the superb local talent and to share their work with you.

The collection will launch at 5.30pm BST on Tuesday 13th September. The sets are a pre-order and won’t be posted until mid-January. The main reason for this long lead-in time is so that we all have time to make our items for each of the sets (there is an upper limit on numbers but I hope there will be enough to go around). Also, although Alex’s design is well under-way we need to ensure that the design isn’t rushed and that Steph has time to tech-edit it fully. But, I also feel that January can be quite a long, dark month and that Hirsel arriving, as a gift to yourself or to a special person, will really be something to look forward to.

Each set will contain – A yarn set by me (approximately 90g Auchen Sport in 3 mini skeins)
A specially commissioned mittens pattern by Alex of Hen In A Glen
A candle by Morn of MO[r]N Candles
A purse by Rowena of Red Ruby Rose
A herbal tea by Cornelia of Panacea
A porcelain stoneware bud vase by Sally of Sally Knight Ceramics
The mittens pattern will be tech edited by the eagle-eyed Steph Boardman

My hope is that Hirsel will bring some beauty and joy to those days, early in the new year, which can be so short and dark. Alex’s colourwork mitten design is inspired by the special nature of gatherings with friends or family or, even, of setting aside the time to remember a loved one. The yarn, Auchen Sport, is woollen-spun, light and airy and will form a cosy, snug fabric when knit in Alex’s lovely design – the set of three mini skeins will be dyed in colours which bring to mind those fresh, crisp winter days when it is a joy to spend time outside. How better to bring some light and a homely feel, when you come back inside, than to light one of Morn’s beautifully, and very carefully, scented, vegan friendly candles? Sally’s vase will be perfect for bringing inside an evergreen twig or two, or seed heads with a particularly beautiful silhouette and then, later in the year, for holding those precious first signs of spring. Cornelia’s tea is perfectly warming and can be enjoyed with friends or sipped slowly and peacefully in a quiet moment. Rowena’s special purse is as tactile as it is lovely – perhaps it will be used to hold treasures, favourite knitting or sewing notions, or for storing special finds from the beach or woods?

The sets will be beautifully presented in a box with recycled and plastic free packaging. A digital copy of the pattern will be sent by email and a paper copy included within the set. Contents of each box will vary slightly: Rowena will use a selection of her beautiful images for the printed velvet front of the purses and will match them with a variety of plant-dyed linens, for the back, and dupion silks, for the lining Sally’s ceramics are made in her home studio and each vase will vary subtly in dimensions and colour Julie will dye the yarn sets in small batches and, as is the way with natural dyeing, there will be slight variations between batches.

For those of you who didn’t receive my last newsletter Hirsel is primarily a Scottish and northern word meaning ‘the entire stock of sheep on a farm or under the charge of a shepherd’; it is related to “herd” (though borrowed from Old Norse hirzla, from hirtha ‘to herd, tend’)’. The same source adds, from “The Ecology of Medieval English Monasteries” by Austin Mardon of Greenwich University (I can’t find a working link to the article unfortunately)’:

‘Several of the herds that roam the Yorkshire dales today have existed continuously since the 13th century. It is worth noting that it is illegal to sell off a complete hirsel from any mountain because it takes several generations of sheep to learn their individual “sheep-walk” and some of the older, experienced sheep must be left to guide the young, who would otherwise starve.’

This law makes sense given that hill sheep ‘heft’ to an area. Each ewe, and then the following generations of lambs, will have her own particular heft (which can vary with season and weather) where she is familiar with the terrain, shelter and most importantly the available grazing.

The Collins English Dictionary definition is:
”Scottish and Northern England dialect
NOUN
1. 
a group of sheep of the same kind
VERB (transitive)
2. 
to sort (sheep) into groups of different kinds”  
Example bud vases by Sally, candle by Morn, purses (back view) by Rowena and yarn set by Julie
(colours intentionally washed out!)

Eanaich Shawl

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)
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

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

Inshriach Hat

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).

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.

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.

Inshriach Hat in Auchen Sport
Inchriach Hat in Auchen Sport

Balvattan Mittens

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).

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.

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)
Balvattan Mittens in Auchen Sport

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.

Balvattan Mittens in Auchen Sport

Feshie Shawl

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.

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 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

Pityoulish Vest

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).

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.

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)
Pityoulish Vest in Auchen Sport Dragon

Rothiemurchus Cowl

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).

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 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.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Auchen Sport

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

Sisymbrium Sweater in Killen Sock

Julie

Anushka, of The Crimson Stitchery, and I have been working on this collaboration for many months and I’m so pleased that we’re finally ready to share her lovely design – the Sisymbrium Sweater. Sisymbrium is knit with Killen Sock and is a playful, lightweight sweater featuring open crossed stitches, bobbles, and simple textures. This yoke sweater is knit from the top-downwards, in the round. It includes careful shaping to fit loosely around the body with positive ease, and a cropped length.

Sisymbrium Sweater in Killen Sock Rust and Denim

I’ll pop the sizing and yarn quantity details below for information. The pattern is available directly from Anushka via her website. Sisymbrium is designed with a wide range of sizes and it is a comfortable flattering sweater. I had a lot of fun last week with one of my daughters and her friend taking photos of both samples together. The Denim sample is a Size 2 with a lengthened body and the Rust sample is a Size 3 (both girls are approx 34″ full bust). 

Anushka has made the most of Killen’s properties by designing Sisymbrium at a very loose gauge which results in the loveliest fabric with loads of drape. It is a quick knit and uses relatively little yarn. I’m so delighted to have had the chance to work with Anushka and that she has been able to create such a beautiful sweater in my yarn. I also need to thank my very lovely friend and talented sample knitter Clare Shaw for her superb work in knitting the Denim sample for me.

YARN (Killen Sock)

Approx 910 (1010, 1100, 1360, 1515) (1665, 1865, 2015, 2270)m/1000 (1105, 1215, 1490, 1660) (1825, 2040, 2205, 2485)yd 4-ply/fingering weight yarn.

Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock 4-ply 2020 Clip (80% Blue Faced Leicester, 20% Mohair; 400m/437yd per 100g)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) hanks in shade Rust or Indigo

GAUGE

21 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4” in Stocking Stitch in the round
Use the relevant needle sizes to achieve this gauge.
Block your swatch before measuring, as the fibres will bloom and the yarn may shrink.

EQUIPMENT

  • 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 4mm/US6 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Circular knitting needles
  • Your preferred needle type for knitting small circumferences in the round
  • Stitch holder, scrap yarn or spare circular knitting needle
  • Cable needle

SIZING 9 sizes available. Choose a size 5-8cm/2-6” larger than your full-chest circumference.
Full-chest circumference: 85.5 (99, 108.5, 118, 129.5) (137, 146.5, 160, 167.5)cm / 33¾ (39, 42¾, 46½, 51) (54, 57¾, 63, 66)”

YARN (Killen Sock)

Approx 910 (1010, 1100, 1360, 1515) (1665, 1865, 2015, 2270)m/1000 (1105, 1215, 1490, 1660) (1825, 2040, 2205, 2485)yd 4-ply/fingering weight yarn.

Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock 4-ply 2020 Clip (80% Blue Faced Leicester, 20% Mohair; 400m/437yd per 100g)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) hanks in shade Rust or Indigo

GAUGE

21 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4” in Stocking Stitch in the round
Use the relevant needle sizes to achieve this gauge.
Block your swatch before measuring, as the fibres will bloom and the yarn may shrink.

EQUIPMENT

  • 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 4mm/US6 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Circular knitting needles
  • Your preferred needle type for knitting small circumferences in the round
  • Stitch holder, scrap yarn or spare circular knitting needle
  • Cable needle

SIZING 9 sizes available. Choose a size 5-8cm/2-6” larger than your full-chest circumference.
Full-chest circumference: 85.5 (99, 108.5, 118, 129.5) (137, 146.5, 160, 167.5)cm / 33¾ (39, 42¾, 46½, 51) (54, 57¾, 63, 66)”