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Artyarns has a new cashmere that never pills, gets softer after washing, and generally wears like iron. It is called Cashmere Eco and I’m totally enjoying it for accessories and garments.

Since we recently added some gorgeous multis (variegated colorways) in this yarn, I couldn’t resist and cast on with color 501 and contrasting solid 378.

Want to try it? Join us for a quick 2-skein knitalong starting October 15, where we will make Off The Shoulders Bandanna. This is an easy knit, that can be completed in just a few days (it took me just 2 days of knitting). Here’s a photo of the finished shawl after blocking which is optional:

I’ve put information on joining this knitalong here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cashmere-eco-knitalong

Just create your project page by October 15 to join.

Here’s a discussion group too where you can add comments and ask any questions: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/artyarns-knitalongs-and-designs/3965024

If you have not yet knitted with Ensemble Light, I am so jealous of you, because there is nothing like that first-time experience with this yarn.

I brought some balls of yarn home for swatching, because i love the interplay of colors. People are so funny asking me about the pattern, but believe me the pattern wouldn’t look like much with a different yarn. Anyway here goes.

First my swatch with Ensemble Light colors 1023 and 1015…. who knew? These are 2 multicolor yarns that have unexpected harmony together:

Materials needed: Ensemble Light in each of 2 multicolors (shown in A: 1023, and B: 1015)

Size 7 needles.

With A, cast on 51 sts (multiple of 17)

Knit back. Attach B.

Row 1: With B, (k2tog) x 3, (YO, k1) x 5, YO, (SSK) x 3. Repeat from * twice more–51 sts

Row 2: P across

Row 3: With A, K across

Row 4: With A, P across

Row 5: With B, P across

Row 6: With B, k across

Row 7: With A, P across

Row 8: With A, P across

Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

Then I decided to try something completely different. An undulating pattern where every row has a different number of stitches.

Here are some photos of what I’m knitting. I’ll continue posting my progress….

Let me know what you think, should I keep going? Which swatch do you prefer?

So the problem is when you’ve had a great summer, as we have in the NY area, you start feeling a little down as the expectation of winter sets in. I choose to counter that with some great knitting that I find totally cheers me up.

Finished at last is the Twisted Brioche Cowl, using Beaded Silk and Sequins (1 skein in Color H35 Silver) and Cashmere Eco (1 skein in the midnight navy):

This is so soft on the skin, being 100% Cashmere in 1 skein and 100% silk in the other, that I could even wear it right now when the weather is in the high 60’s.

A slightly less complex version but just as wonderful to wear, also uses Beaded Silk and Sequins (shown in 144 Metal) and Cashmere Eco (1 skein in the darker grey):

So how to choose colors, are you possibly wondering? I’ve put together some combinations, and would love to hear from you… Which colors would you use to make either of these?

So my inspiration this month was the Sand to Snow National Monument.

I am so in love with this color, and the designs that have been created for it. In fact, I decided to make something for myself after I already designed and knitted the 1-skein Transitions Shawl.

There are lots of photos and details on the garments for this colorway here: https://www.artyarns.com/inspirations/ as well as a list of stores where you can purchase this yarn.

So now on to Brioche.

Our knitalong is going strong…. there are so many very active participants. The options are small shawl with 2 skeins of Beaded Silk and Sequins (200 yards) and a large shawl with 2 skeins of Merino Cloud or equivalent Artyarns yarn (800 yards). I loved the small shawl I made with Beaded Silk and Sequins, and thought it would be lovely as the collar of a jacket or vest. My original shawl used 1 skein of Beaded Silk and Sequins in color 525 Silver and 1 skein in color 2368 Silver. I used Merino Cloud in color 2368 as an add-on, and will be writing the pattern, making it available to every knitalong participant who completes the small shawl.

Here are some photos….

Just sign up for our knitalong, complete the small shawl using 2 skeins of Beaded Silk and Sequins, and you’ll receive instructions to add on the Merino Cloud and turn it into a one-size fits all vest (with 1 skein of Merino Cloud) or jacket with long sleeves (with 2 skeins of Merino Cloud). I suggest color-coordinating the Merino Cloud so it is the solid color in your piece.

If you’re interested… please let me know in a comment below.

I can’t believe that summer is nearly over. One fortunate thing about these cooler days is that it become easier to knit. I am back to knitting up a storm. I still didn’t finish my Brioche Twist Cowl that I love very much, but it is repetitive…. Sometimes I just need something NEW.

So I cast on for a new tee that I can’t stop knitting. It is really simple, you just completely use up the Beaded Silk and Sequins first skein (i actually left a little bit on the side for an edging for the 2 sleeves), then move on to the Merino Cloud in the 2246 charcoal color.

I can’t tell you how much I love this color… but unfortunately can’t show it to you until September 3rd. So here it is in nearly black and white. The true color is very different. And the unveiling is in just over a week, so check back.

Meanwhile, I need to add some color to this page, so I’ll share a lovely sunset photo I took yesterday when I took a ride to Webby’s Beach.

You will see the connection next week.

I also did this matchup over the weekend with color 607 that i love so much:

The weather was so clear and crisp…. and made me think about this rich color.

So it all started because i became fascinated with the look of brioche lace. Therefore i designed this cowl using 2 skeins of Cashmere Eco in contrasting colors. Karen Damskey of L’Atelier Yarns visited me and suggested that i knot a version using a skein of Cashmere Eco and a skein of Beaded Silk and Sequins. So i decided to test-knit a new version.

Here it is, halfway done:

I love this version even more than the original, the design really pops the Beaded Silk and Sequins. Want to try this? Let me know with a comment below.

If you have not tried brioche before i recommend practicing by trying the stitch or by joining our September Stained Glass Knitalong.