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)

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 Johnthe 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

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

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

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

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

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)”

Probably the cutest ever knit in BIY – I love the Cockle Socks by Katie Green! Lovely Katie is a talented illustrator and comic drawer but also designs knitting patterns, and luckily for me she designed these socks in my Killen Sock yarn. There’s more information about Killen Sock here.

Cockle Socks in Killen Sock, by Katie Green

Katie’s fabulous design uses just under 100g of Killen. Currently, Killen is one of my small batch yarns so won’t always be in stock but, when it is, I’ll try to ensure there’s some Cockle Sock kits available in the shop. Each kit will have just the right amount of yarn, in two shades for knitting your own pair of Cockle Socks.

Katie says: ‘ The Cockle Socks are knitted from the cuff down with a Picot Hem, charted colourwork design, heel flap and gusset and a barn toe. The pattern is written in one size for a stitch count of 64. Gauge adjustments will enable you to knit different sizes. ‘

You can find the pattern in Katie’s zine The Green Bean which you can buy here directly from Katie.

Cockle Socks in Killen Sock, by Katie Green

Once again I am delighted to be joining in with Project Peace, Christina Campbell’s (aka The Healthy Knitter) annual worldwide Knit Along to promote peaceful mindful knitting during the hectic holiday season.  Christina already has almost 1000 people joining in so far this year – from all around the world…..ready to knit the beautiful Project Peace cowl and ‘spread seeds of peace’ by knitting together.  One or two skeins will knit either version of the cowl.  I will donate 10% of all BFL Suri Blend, sold in December, to Unicef and I will pop a peaceful little ‘something extra’ into each package too.  In addition, Christina will donate all pattern proceeds to charity.

The best place to find out more about this wonderful initiative is to visit Christina’s website. But, in summary, this is a way to join knitters around the world and to ‘promote peace for self, family, community, the people of our world and this beautiful planet’. Christina posts a blog daily with little ‘seeds’ helping us to think and reflect – last year I found them lovely calm little points in each day, just perfect to quietly absorb for a few moments during this very busy time of year.

 

I will add a special new dye shade ‘Sea Breeze’ , just for Project Peace, in BFL Suri to the shop over the weekend of 1/2 December – hopefully Saturday 1st December in the evening.  It will be a tonal indigo blue, similar to the shade I am knitting my version in……but completely unique just for Project Peace! In the meantime there are lots of lovely dyed and undyed (natural cream and silver) skeins in the shop at the moment.

*As of 29 November, I haven’t yet finished my version of the cowl (which Christina kindly released early for me to begin testing yarn suitability) so I can’t be certain I’ll complete the whole cowl with one skein – it may be a little close, but the pattern is very forgiving and easy to adapt – the final repeat can easily be missed out if yarn looks to be running low.  Or you could choose two skeins to knit the larger version of the cowl.  All the pattern details are available when you buy the pattern and the full knitting instructions are released on 1 December.

 

 

The Rhidorroch Hat is a beautiful new pattern designed in my Coulmore yarn (Organic First Clip Cheviot) by Emily K Williams.  The hat is named after Rhidorroch which is the west coast farm that partners Coulmore, here on the Black Isle.  Rhidorroch is where their flock of North Country Cheviots spend the summer before coming over to the more gentle east coast for the winter.

The hat is gently slouchy, with a generous pom pom on top, and uses slipped stitches  to add definition and texture to the stripes.

I dyed 30g mini skeins of Coulmore for the sample hat in indigo, indigo and annatto and, indigo and heather (the pattern uses one mini skein of natural white of too).  From time to time I’ll have kits (with just the right amount of yarn in four shades -30g x 4) available in my shop and when I attend shows.  I’m always happy to put together a custom kit so please do contact me if you are interested but don’t see a set available in the shop at present.  (mail@blackisleyarns.co.uk)