Every once in a while, a yarn inspires a design. As I swatched with this lovely alpaca, merino, and linen blend yarn, I was completely won over by the soft and supple texture of the knitting.

There's enough visual appeal already with this yarn that a subtle, yet overall texture would be in order. The diagonal ribbing became the perfect choice, as it also fits well with the asymmetrical shape of the shawl.

Once the first color yarn was almost out, joining in the second color while maintaining the diagonal ribbing made for a lovely transition.

For a more dramatic finish, the third color is more of a contrast and the stitch pattern evolves into a diagonal lace stitch that has a complimentary stitch repeat. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

Warmer weather is when the spaghetti straps and maxi dresses come out. But even in hot temps, I like to have pretty things to toss over my shoulders when I encounter indoor A/C or evening breezes.

Here's a modern solution with lots of boho flair! An allover lace pattern is worked in a chunky cotton for maximum texture and lovely openness. Kimono sleeves offer a dramatic touch and allow you to wear this over many types of outfits. The easy cropped shape and a gently curved V-neckline with simple 2-button closure finish the look.

On the bigger needles, this knits up fast in one piece. The only seaming is straight across along the kimono sleeve bottoms. You can seam more or less based on how you want it to fit at the bust. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

"Adela" means graceful and noble, which makes it a fitting name for this lovely stole. Its silky quality comes from the loosely plied cashmere and merino wool blend yarn worked on a slightly larger needle.

The yarn glides between your fingers easily as you work the beautiful lace pattern, which only consists of simple decreases and yarn overs. A wide 2x2 rib is knit only on one edge for a little asymmetry.

The lace pattern features pretty diamond shapes with embossed edges that give the finished shawl lots of textural interest and eye-catching appeal.

Knit it in the creamy white, as shown, to emphasize its soft-as-a-cloud status. Self-scalloping edges where the lace begins and end add an additional feminine touch.. . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

FREE Pattern Pick: 
Riley Hat
by SweaterBabe.com
(free ONLY until 7/31/18. On Ravelry too.)

Gotta love a great cabled hat for its texture, warmth, and classic visual appeal! This one is fun and quick to knit as well, sporting an intricate cable perfect for both men and women.

It's knit from the bottom up in the round, for a seamless finish. Cable design is charted and written out.

Less than 200 yards needed for a hat.

TWO co-ordinating patterns, the #254 Riley Gloves AND the #258 Riley Scarf, are available to knit up with this hat as a fabulous gift set.. . . >

Are you a designer?

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For FOUR MORE DAYS ONLY, enjoy 20% off the Hillside Blooms Shawlette and five other SweaterBabe designs knit up in madelinetosh yarns. Coupon expires THIS Sunday, May 20th. If you haven't had the chance to knit with madelinetosh yarns, this is your perfect excuse to try!

Just enter coupon code MADMAY18 at checkout. See all six madelinetosh designs on sale  . . . > 

Knitting Classes
by SweaterBabe

SweaterBabe offers Knitting & Crochet Classes in Orange County, California! Let the SweaterBabe herself teach you how to knit or crochet. In one session, you can learn all the basics to make a simple scarf.

For those who already know the basics, book a private knitting or crocheting class to take your skills to the next level. Whether it's how to read a pattern, how to work cables or lace, how to finish a sweater, etc., SweaterBabe can work with you one-on-one and teach you all that she can during your private session.  . . >

Timeless. Ethereal. Singular. These are only some of the words that come to mind with this lovely shawl design.

Knit from the top down, this triangular shawl is a must-knit. As shown, it begins with a simple Garter stitch section, which showcases the beauty of your yarn. Increases along the center line and at each edge create pretty eyelet accents and a block of nice and easy knitting.

Then, the pattern transitions into a stunning, yet easy-to-learn lace. You will become familiar with the 8-row repeat quickly whether you follow the charted or written version. The right and left sides of the lace mirror each other for beautiful symmetry.

A loose bind off and aggressive blocking bring out the true beauty of this shawl. And if knit (to gauge) as shown, only one hank of yarn was used!

The shawl is easily made bigger by adding more 8-row repeats of the lace. And the same pattern could easily be knit up in a worsted-weight yarn for a chunkier version. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

I love this very special lace pattern for its complex-looking results. But, no worries, it's just worked with simple decreases and yarnovers.

The end result is an incredibly lovely floral lace design that appears to morph into itself depending on how you look at it!

It's a truly beautiful fabric that lends itself nicely to a blanket of any size.

Shown here is the baby blanket version in my favorite cotton blend yarn, which comes in some uniquely pretty colors. Pattern also includes 2 larger Crib and Throw sizes.

Any solid yarn with great stitch definition will do this pattern justice! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

This scarf is a fairly quick knit, with lovely textured results. It combines lace with some simple shaping techniques to give it beautiful body and structure. This pattern includes a one-ball option, perfect for gift knitting, and a two-ball option, if you prefer your scarves with a little more length.

The one-ball scarf has two "ruched" sections at each end, while the two-ball version has three. Both can be easily extended slightly in length by doing more repeats of the Diamond Lace in the middle section (notes on this included in pattern), although you will need extra yarn.

A 70% kid mohair/30% silk blend yarn gives you the required strong halo that complements the lace and a finished scarf that is sumptuous to the touch. Choose a vibrant or soft color that will make you (or the gift recipient) happy. This is a fun, feminine, and sophisticated design that will be a delight to wear! A slightly variegated mohair and silk blend yarn would work as well, though I would recommend more subtle color variations to allow the two different lace stitches to come through. . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.

My girls always need a layer for the morning chill as we head to school. And what better way to arrive to school in style than with this lovely cabled vest!

A beautiful center panel features a medallion-shaped double cable that frames a single lace leaf motif. This pattern-stitch combination is all you need to embellish this vest, along with the required details, like neat ribbed edges, handy pockets, and a nicely squared neckline.

The vest is worked in two pieces with knit-in pockets. Ribbing at the neckline and pocket tops are knit-in. Ribbing at the armholes is picked up and knit at finishing. Side, pocket, and shoulder seams only.

A heathered wool gives a slight rustic feel and great wearability to this vest. She'll slip it on over any long-sleeved top and be good to go! Girl's sizes 6 through 12. Women's version sold separately – perfect for Mom! . . . >

Available on Ravelry too.