Spring Knit-Along!!

I've been getting ready to start a new knitting project and thought, why not invite everyone to join me and make it a knit-along?? I will be posting here on our shop's Blog as we go with pictures of my progress and discussions of the techniques used in the pattern. Our Facebook page will have links when there is a new post, or you can join us on our Ravelry discussion board.

The pattern I've chosen is from the online knitting magazine Knitty. If you are not familiar with Knitty please take a moment to check it out. This is a wonderful FREE website. They have beautiful patterns that are all reliable and professionally done. They also have wonderful, informative articles and technical information. Please support this wonderful publication by supporting their advertisers or leave a tip in their tip jar!

And now, the pattern!! I've chosen a short-sleeved cardigan called the Tappan Zee Cardigan. I've been resisting the urge to cast on for this pattern since it was published, trying to be a good girl and finish a few other things first. But I can't wait any longer!! It is knit in one piece from the top down and features a diamond lace pattern around the yoke. The skill level is listed as 'tangy' which translates to medium difficulty or an intermediate knitter. Beyond knitting and purling, this pattern uses yarn overs and several different kind of decreases. As the knit-along progresses, I'll be posting pictures of my WIP (work-in-progress) and discussing the techniques as much as I can. This pattern is a good introduction to lace so if you haven't tried lace before, don't worry, IT ISN'T SCARY. I promise. We'll all take this one step at a time together!!

As for the yarn, the pattern is written using the designer's own handspun yarn, but suggests Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool as the commercial alternative. This is the yarn I plan on using for my cardigan, but there are many others that would also be suitable. The Silky Wool is (if the name didn't give it away) a silk and wool blend. The wool offers some warmth while the silk adds drape. But this is a lighter yarn overall, making it an ideal choice for covering up the shoulders in the Spring and Summer. Feel free to e-mail or post on Facebook or Ravelry if you'd like to discuss alternatives.

For those participating in the knit-along, I would like to offer a coupon for the purchase of your yarn. Please e-mail Questions@TheVillageSheep.com with Knit-Along in the subject line and I will send you a coupon code for our website. I am asking everyone to please use the honor system and use this coupon ONLY for your knit-along supplies.

I'll wait a week or so to get started, let everyone have a chance to get their yarn and get organized. I'll start my casting on and blog posting around May 11th, but people are welcome to join us after that.

SO excited, my fingers are twitching to cast on already!!

Happy Knitting!
Maggie