Free Pattern Fridays - Friday, April 6, 2018, Issue 48: Snow in spring, this and that!

I'd like to think spring is just around the corner so it is time to start something summery! There is just something special about a lacy cardigan like Surry Hills by Maria Magnusson.

I have a black crocheted one that looks very similar but is now too small for me so this is one I would like to add to my queue! It takes 656 - 1094 yards (600 - 1000 m) of DK weight yarn to get a gauge of 15 stitches and 27 rows = 4 inches in the Flower Lace Pattern using 3.5 mm (US 4) and 4.0 mm (US 6) needles. The pattern has both charted and written instructions but the knitter should be familiar with following charts.

Shiroshakar by Cirilia Rose for Berroco is a flirty high waisted skirt with seed stitch texture and cable pleat details. If you love to wear skirts like I do then this a skirt that is sure to please. The skirt is knit using 4.0 mm (US 6) needles for a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches using a sport weight yarn.

Avery by Norah Gaughan is a breezy pullover for all shapes and sizes, the bodice and sleeves are knit in one piece in an easy lace stitch from cuff to cuff. The bottom is finished in stockinette. The original Berroco yarn has been discontinued but I can see this knit with a linen or cotton/linen blend. It calls for 3.75 mm (US 5) and 4.5 mm (US 7) for a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows = 4" using the smaller needles in stockinette and 13 stitches and 26 rows = 4" in the Roman Stripe Pattern using the larger needles.

WIP's and FO's

I finished Oliver, the newest rabbit to join my menagerie! I even gave him a belly button just I gave Harry, my 4th rabbit! Oliver will go to my grandson who is due at the end of June.

Oliver, Betsy and Caroline! The patterns are by Julie Williams of littlecottonrabbits of which I have the Bunny Girl, Boy Bunny, Girl Lamb and Boy Ram as well as both of the seasonal clothing patterns. Kits are available to purchase and include enough yarn and fiberfill stuffing for 2 toys and a couple of outfits. The colours in the kits can be swapped out with any of the Begere de France Ideal colours.

My On the Spice Market Shawl by Melanie Berg is growing steadily with only 1 more repeat before I start Section 4 and 5.

I started Knit Smile Relax Shawl by Michele C Meadows (free pattern) using Katia Tahiti Spray. I also used the same yarn to knit up a modified Effin Scarf by Loretta McCollough.

KNIT GROUP AND GALLERY

The deadline for the latest draw was March 31! This time I drew 2 names!

Congratulations to Lise (mattedcat), the winner of the draw who has won a Knit and Crochet project bag made with a canvas and wool blend with the little friends fabric that was handmade by DarnYarnMN.

Congratulations to Nadine (draperstyle) who won the second draw - the Geo Check Knit and Crochet Project Bag from DarnYarnMN!

Connie (knitnut246) and her Waiting for Rain shawl by Sylvia McFadden

Marilyn’s finished Adrift by Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches knit with Malabrigo Mechita in Carnival.

Sandi finished the first half of a sock test knit but needs to wait for the second pattern. The theme is similar but not matching!

Lucie and her finished Öræfi! She loved knitting it but was too shy to show her face:)

Knit Afternoons - Now if only I remembered to have my camera handy more often!

Sue2Knits will participate in the Support Your Local Yarn Store Day Event! Local Yarn Store Day is a brick-and-mortar yarn shop appreciation day created by TNNA Yarn Group. The inaugural LYS Day will take place on April 21 and is designed to show support for small businesses while bringing together a unique community of knitters, crocheters, weavers and spinners to drive awareness and celebrate the craft.

Mark your calendar and plan a trip!

We will have an exclusive LYS Day pattern from Laura Nelkin featuring Kelbourne Woolens Andorra - available only in brick and mortar shops! Laura's designs have a wonderful inventiveness we have always loved, and we're sure you will too!

Casapinka will also have a new pattern to be released in LYS Day that will be free with the purchase of yarn for it!

New in stock are some new SweetGeorgia colours - Biscuit, Grapefruit and Lupine in Tough Love Sock, some new colours are in for Manos del Uruguay Alegria and Fino. Also in are some new kits that I have put together!

Happy Friday, Happy Knitting, Crocheting and Crafting!