New pattern release: Ginkgo

I am beyond excited for this month's pattern release! This piece has been a one year work in progress. Well sort of! I had conceptualized this design around this time of the year last year, and created a little paper template for it. But since it was already June, I knew that it was too late in the year to design the piece and release it that same year. So I kept it preciously in my design journal until a few months ago, once I got the yarn in hands, and my needles ready to cast on!

I created this design around the concept of origami thus the little template that I made. I really wanted to create a piece that would be as seamless as possible, starting from the bottom up (hem to neck then neck to hem). So in the end, the only seamed part would be the sides, which is quite minimal for a sweater.

Both front and back necks are shaped with decreases to create this elegant v-neck in the front, and this very deep open back that I adore. It is slightly cropped but you can definitely add some lenght if you'd prefer and very dramatic sleeves that are inspired (once again) by Japanese kimono. If the long and large sleeves are not for you, cast on less stitches and you'll end up with smaller/ shorter ones. What I love about this pattern, is that it's very easy to customize, and change element that fit you figure. The sweater is available in 8 different sizes, starting for & 32" bust. It is intended to be worn with something like 3 to 4" of positive ease for a very comfy and breathy fit.

From left to right: Onyx, Tournaline, Amethyst, Dark Beryl, Serpentine (credit pictures to Yarnandknitting.com)

As for the yarn, I have used the beautiful blend of 50% linen & 50% Falklands Wool from Blacker Yarns. Now how could I describe this beautiful blend? Once again I was not disappointed by Blackers. I mean I think that I've tried maybe six or seven of their bases, and the experience has been so enjoyable every single time. Their blends are wonderful and their colors are absolutely stunning. I think that there's a bit of everything for everyone.

But back to Lyonesse. It is extremely soft, like almost buttery soft. It has a beautiful sheen from the linen, and as you would expect from a plant-based yarn, the dyed didn't take evenly on the skein which resulted in the most perfect heathery shades.

Some very lovely versions have already been completed. And one of my favourite's in Patricia's. You can check it out here

New pattern release: Blossom shawl

I am so excited to introduce you to Blossom!

Blossom was such a fun collaboration with Gregoria Fibers and Isle yarn.
The yarn originates from the Isle of Purbeck where Sue is working the land with her family. She recently decided to sell the production of her wool and thought of creating an exclusive collection that will bring dyers and designers together. The yarn is very unique and precious as it is a blend of 50% lamb wool and 50% Tussah silk. Twenty skeins were sent to the dyers of our choice to create a unique color palette.

When I approched Anna of Gregoria Fibers, I told her that I wanted a colorwat that would be dyed very gently, with a little bit of speckles here and there. I wanted something very delicate with a little bit of contrast only. And she did her magic. The yarn came to me even more beautifully that I had imaged.

As for the pattern itself, I wanted to create something really Spring-inspired that would work hand in hand with Anna’s colorway.
Blossom is knit bottom up, starting on the little scalloped edge at the bottom. Once the first set-up rows of the border are done, the pattern is very intuitive. And once the border is completed, there’s only shorter and shorter rows of garter stitch goodness.

It’s been so lovely to see the color combinations that the sweet test knitters have decided to use. The color combination is infinite!

Finished measurements

115cm (45,2”) long / 44cm/17,3” deep

Yarn
2 skeins of Isle Yarn, 50% lamb wool & 50% silk / 100g apprx. 382 yards (350m) or about
874 yards (800m) of fingering weight yarn.
Color A: undyed
Color B: Pink

Gauge
21sts & 39 rows =10cm /4” in garter stitch after blocking

Needles
US5 (3,75mm) needles.
Or needle size to obtain gauge.

Notion
stitch markers

To celebrate the release of the patter, you can use the code BLOSSOMMAY15 during checkout to receive 15% off (valid from now thru May 7th midnight Riga time.

New pattern release: Homestead shawl

Homestead is the perfect comfort knitting piece: rows of garter stitch for relaxation and few rows of eyelets and braids for a little bit of challenge.
It is another netflix-friendly piece to make, perfect for the evenings on the couch with a cup of cocoa and a good show.
Once around your neck, you’ll have a hard time putting it down! It is easily adjustable, so if you have more yardage, you can add a stitch(s) repeat(s) to make it (even) bigger!

The pattern is written, and a video is provided to help you execute the laterail braid stitch.

As for the yarn, I have used the gorgeous Baa Ram Ewe Dovestone Natural Aran, a pure joy to knit with!

50% Bluefaced Leicester
25% Wensleydale Longwool
25% Masham
Yardage: 170m per 100g hank (185 yds)
Needle size: 4.5mm-5mm (US 7 - 8)

Finished measurements
112cm (44”) wide / 130cm (51.1”) long /180cm (70,8”) wingspan

Yarn
5 skeins of Baa Ram Ewe, Dovestone Natural Aran:
50% Bluefaced Leicester
25% Wensleydale Longwool
25% Masham;170m per 100g hank (185 yds) or approx. 930 yards (850 meters) of Aran weight yarn.

Gauge
18 sts & 36.5 rows = 10cm(4”) in garter stitch after blocking

Needles
4.5mm (US7) circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

New pattern release: Kimono

The kimono is a very cosy blanket to wrap around your shoulders and keep you warm on the couch (or on the porch!) whilst listenning to your favourite audiobook (Harry Potter anyone?) or watching a good show on netflix.

The pattern is very easy and comes up in three different sizes.
It features a little bit of lace, a lot of stockinette, and a very addictive slipped stitch panel on the back (a video is provided to help you execute the slipped stitch. It is knit flat, like a large rectangle, and a little bit of seaming brings the sides together to create the opening for the sleeves. The pattern is knit in a worsted weight yarn (I have used Cumbria from the Fibre Company, which is the most cosy and rustic yarn that you can imagine). The yarn comes in a range of beautiful vibrant colors and more versatile neutrals.

The Fibre Company Cumbria
Yarn weight: Worsted   Skein weight: 100 g
Fibre: 60% Merino wool, 30% masham wool and 10% mohair
Length: 218 m / 238 yds per 100 g hank
Tension / Gauge: 18–20 sts / 10 cm over 10 cm / 4 in
Needle size: 4-5 mm / 6-8 US / 8-6 UK

As for the design itself, I knew that I wanted to create a piece that would be the first thing that I would grab at home when I’d be a little bit too cold. I keep it on the back of my working chair, so whenever I feel a little bit too chilly, that’s the first thing that I grab, and with this deliciously rustic wool, I feel warm instantly.

I didn’t really intend the sleeves to be as dramatic as they are, but I love them so much this way, and the first thing that came to my mind when I did the seaming was “kimono”.

Yarn
5 (5, 6) skeins of The Fibre Company Cumbria Worsted: 60% Merino Wool/30% Brown Masham Wool/10% Mohair, 238yds (218m) /100g OR about 1190/1428 yds (1090/1305m) worsted weight yarn

Needle
US7 (4.5mm)

Gauge
20sts & 29 rows= 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Sizes
1 (2, 3): to fit 34”-38” (40”- 44”, 46”- 50”)86.4 - 96.8 (101.6 - 111.8, 116.8 - 127)cm

June cashmere yarn review & giveaway

As I'm writting to you, I have a big cup of coffee next to me, and the little swatch that I have just completed. I cannot stop petting it because it's simply the softest thing ever. I haven't knit with 100% cashmere fibers a whole lot as they are one of the most luxurious fibers available in the market, but the few times that I did, the experience was a pure delight.

The yarn that I'm introducing today is the June Cashmere DK, a 100% luxurious cashmere yarn.

 "June Cashmere's 100% cashmere yarns are collected directly from Kyrgyz shepherds living on small family farms along the ancient Silk Road amidst the soaring mountains of Central Asia.  June is the Kyrgyz word for animal fiber, which is a centuries old vital resource and essential element of their nomadic lifestyle. From felted woolen rugs, to the clothes on their backs, june has made itself an indelible part of Kyrgyz culture. Additionally, the uniquely warm properties of the cashmere from their goats allow them to sustain cold and long winters in the vast mountains in Kyrgyzstan. "

If butter could be a fiber, I would say that cashmere is the closest thing to it. I think that it took me less than 15 minutes yesterday to complete the swatch because the fiber was literally flying on my needles. The fabric that the swatch gave me was something very drapey and delicate. If I would have to knit a sample with the yarn, it would most probably be a shawl with very little details, something simple in stockinette that would enhance the drapiness and the sheen of the fabric.

If you are interested in trying out June Cashmere yarn, you can enter this giveaway to win one skein in the lace or DK weight! Three winners will be selected on the 20th of December.

Mandarine's subscription! (Early access to my new patterns, and behind the scenes)

I realised that I haven't really had the time to tell you about this new subscription and what it is exactly.

What is Patreon/ Why did I join Patreon?

Patreon is a platform that allows makers from around the world to share even more of their work with their followers. I joined Patreon because it will allow me to fund my creative pursuits, grow as a creative entrepreneur and share all that work with you guys. My goal is to bring you happiness through the knitting patterns that I create, so you can make something that you will cherish and love.
Your support means a lot to me, and will help me to keep doing the things that I love, pay my bills and dream bigger. It will give me the mental space to keep pushing myself to create even more and share all of that work with you <3

What will I get/ How does it work?
I appreciate so much any support of my work you’re willing to give, so I can keep creating patterns for you.
Depending on which subscription you'd choose, you'll be able to get access to different rewards. If you like my work, and you want to support me, just choose how much you want to pledge per month (even $1 makes a difference!)
Select one of the rewards that you would like to get and that's it! I will take care of the rest! You can cancel or edit your pledges whenever you want!

Second Level: PATTERNS

The second level (5$/month) will give you an early access to all my new self-published patterns. Everytime that I independently publish a new pattern, I will attach the pdf version of the pattern for the second level subscribers. So you'll be able to start knitting early on. The pattern will then be uploaded to your personnal ravelry library. This subscription is particularly interesting for patrons located in Europe as they won't have to pay the VAT on digital products that is associated with any pattern sale.

1st level: INSPIRATION

The very first level (2$/month) will give you access to a weekly inspiring post where I will talk about all of the things that I've worked on during the week + a montly post where I will share all of the things taht got me inspired.

3rd level: SECRETS

And lastly, the third level (10$/month) will give you access to all the previous rewards + an exclusive weekly video where I will share and talk about all the secret projects that I'm currently working on, the future collaborations ect...

I hope that I didn't forget anything! If you have any question, or comment, feel free to ask in the comments below, or you can email me at hellomandarine@gmail.com