New Pattern: Falling Water Shawl

Easy but elegant lace — not too much, just enough to keep things interesting — balanced by soothing garter stitch: doesn’t that sound like the ideal knitting project during this stressful time filled with all kinds of difficulties and uncertainty?

Falling Water Shawl by Bonnie Sennott

During the past month or so, the Falling Water Shawl has kept me (relatively) sane and (relatively) distracted from excessive worrying. It’s been exactly the right project for this unusual spring — fun and not at all stressful. Now that it’s finished, the pattern is available on Ravelry, where you can take 20% off with the coupon code SPRING.

Fun fact about this shawl: you can make it as long (or short) as you like, because the final section of knits and purls can be worked over any number of stitches. My sample is a generous 68 inches/173 cm along the top edge — the “wingspan.”

The Falling Water Shawl features the lace motif I used in my Falling Water Scarf, modified to fit nicely within the shape of an asymmetrical triangular shawl. I’ve also updated the scarf pattern with a new sample, new photos, spruced up instructions, a new chart, and additional sizes. You can use the SPRING coupon code to save 20% on the Falling Water scarf as well as the shawl. This introductory sale ends Sunday, May 3.

Or, purchase both patterns together in the Falling Water ebook set and save even more!

The Falling Water Shawl begins with a cast-on of just three stitches and gradually grows longer, with a column of lace flowing up the right side and garter stitch on the left. Yarn overs worked on the left side create the shawl’s triangular shape. The shawl is knit flat, but a circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. Stitch patterns are provided in charts and also are written out, line by line — so whichever you prefer, you’re covered.

For the sample, I used O-Wool O-Wash Fingering, an organic, 100% merino yarn. It was a splurge last fall at Rhinebeck — and I'm so glad I didn't hesitate to get it! It's been a pleasure to have on the needles and has a lovely drape that's really perfect for lace. Another fun fact: O-Wool will be a vendor this weekend at the virtual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. The “real” festival had to be canceled, but they’ve come up with a nifty online event to keep everyone connected.

One of my favorite (and local) annual fiber festivals, the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair — held every year at the end of May at the Cummington Fairgrounds — also isn’t happening, due to COVID-19. Lately I’ve even been wondering whether there will be a New York Sheep and Wool Festival this October — what a shame if it has to be canceled! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, right? We’ll just have to wait and see what the coming months bring and keep our fingers crossed that big gatherings like Rhinebeck can safely happen again.

In the meantime, keep on knitting, support healthcare workers and first responders, thank the staff at supermarkets and gas stations and pharmacies etc. etc. for being there for you — and above all, be well and be safe everyone.

LINKS
Falling Water Shawl
Falling Water Scarf
Falling Water Ebook Set
Bonnie Sennott: Ravelry Designer Page

Designs in Progress (and a Wee Sale)

Looking for a relaxed-pace knitalong to join as you shelter in place during the coronavirus pandemic? Mason-Dixon Knitting has announced they’re having an MDK March Mayhem KAL — and you can knit any pattern that’s been in any bracket — from 2017 to this year. That means you could join the KAL to knit Downy, which was in last year’s bracket.

To celebrate, the pattern is on sale in my Ravelry pattern store for the next two weeks. Save 25% on Downy with the coupon code MAYHEM. The sale ends midnight EST on April 1.

And don’t forget to vote in the MDK March Mayhem bracket! See this year’s 64 patterns here.

Downy Hat, by Bonnie Sennott

I am home for the time being — Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker has ordered nonessential businesses to close and has issued a stay-at-home advisory. I’m using this time to take a lot of online yoga classes, go outdoors for walks as much as possible, and work on upcoming patterns (of course!)

I’m rewriting and reformatting my Falling Water scarf pattern — the first I ever published, back in 2006 — and knitting up a new sample, using O-Wool’s O-Wash Fingering. The chart and pattern layout will be upgraded to my current pattern format, and the instructions will be expanded to include the original narrow scarf and a wider version, too.

There’s also a Falling Water Shawl coming — an asymmetrical triangular shawl similar in size and shape to my Notch Shawl. I’m knitting up the sample in O-Wool’s O-Wash Fingering in a very pretty color called Pasture Rose. I plan to release both Falling Water patterns at the same time — look for them later this spring.

I’ve also taken the opportunity of unexpected free time to start a log cabin wrap inspired by my Next in Line afghan, using fingering weight yarns in my stash. Clockwise from lower left, the yarns are Into the Whirled Pakokku Sock in Stark, String Theory Caper Sock in Canyon, Anzula Squishy in Hippo, Luna Grey Ariel in Goldenrod, and The Fawn and the Fox Otter in Let’s Stay Home (such an appropriate name!).

I’m using the Next in Line pattern as a jumping off point, but modifying it quite a bit. What I envision is two log cabin ends with a striped section between them, joined by grafting (or three-needle bind-off, if you really hate grafting). I will likely put out a call for testers, once I’ve finished knitting (and writing) one half of the wrap. If you’d be interested, please watch the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group for an announcement.

Every day brings new changes and challenges, and I’m so thankful to have knitting to focus on and keep my mind from going into full-on worrying mode. I’m not sure which of these new patterns will be ready first, but I’m definitely working on them every day.

How about you — are you doing more knitting? Have you joined a knitalong? Wherever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are well and safe. Keep calm — and knit on!

New Pattern: Fine Morning Mitts

Longer days and morning birdsong tell me spring is on its way. Naturally, my mind turns to knitting fresh accessories for spring — especially delicate lace in lighter weight yarns. With that in mind, I’ve designed the Fine Morning Mitts, a sweet pair of fingerless mitts perfect for spring.

Fine Morning Mitts by Bonnie Sennott

The pattern is live on Ravelry, where you can save 20% with the coupon code MITTS20, through Friday, March 6.

The Fine Morning Mitts feature a column of delicate lace at the outer edge of each hand, set off with simple stockinette stitch. They’re worked in the round on double-pointed needles with fingering weight yarn. For the sample, I used Hudson + West Co. Weld, a soft blend of merino and Corriedale wool in the Fawn colorway. One skein is more than enough for a pair; the two sizes require 135 (150) yds/125 (138) m fingering weight yarn.

You’ll find complete information on sizes, gauge, dimensions, and needles on the Fine Morning Mitts Ravelry pattern page.

In the past week, I’ve seen daffodils pushing up out of the ground and heard the cardinals singing their “purdy-purdy” song in the early mornings. Spring is almost here — I can’t wait! I really want to drop everything and cast on spring accessories. How about you?

Birthday BOGO Sale

To celebrate my birthday, I’m having a BOGO sale! When you purchase any two Blue Peninsula patterns or ebooks, you’ll receive the lower-priced one FREE with the coupon code BIRTHDAY. 

The sale is happening only in my Ravelry pattern store. It’s perfect for stocking up on patterns for your #makenine2020 knitting plans. And if you missed the Winter Oak Cowl introductory discount, you can pick up the pattern now, plus another one FREE, then hop over to the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group to join the KAL.

Have fun shopping! And thank you for being part of my birthday celebrations and for supporting my indie designs.

Sale ends midnight EST Tuesday, January 14.

New KAL for the New Year: Winter Oak Cowl

January 1 marks the start of a new year as well as a new decade. I feel ready for both — how about you? I have ambitious plans for new knitting patterns, new artworks (I’ve got a show coming up in April!), a quilt made entirely by hand, and some personal knitting too (this shawl is at the top of the list).

Winter Oak Cowl by Bonnie Sennott

January also brings the first Blue Peninsula knitalong of 2020. The Winter Oak Cowl KAL starts in the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group on New Year’s Day, but you can pop in and join anytime after that. Knitters are already chatting about yarns and colors — and some are going to try making it in fingering weight yarn (I designed it with sportweight). I can’t wait to see everyone’s color combinations and yarn choices — it’s going to be fun.

And don’t forget, there’s a sale! Through midnight EST New Year’s Day, you can save 20% on the Winter Oak pattern with the coupon code COWL20.

As I look back at 2019 and all the changes and challenges it brought, I’m so grateful for your support for my patterns. I’m always thrilled when I see knitters posting FOs they are excited about on Ravelry or sharing photos on Instagram. It’s an honor to be able to help others knit garments and accessories that give them joy.

I hope 2020 brings you many opportunities to make things you love, and if the Winter Oak Cowl calls to you, I hope you’ll join us in the KAL.

Happy knitting — and Happy New Year!

LINKS
Winter Oak Cowl pattern
Winter Oak KAL
Bonnie Sennott - Ravelry designer page

New Pattern: Winter Oak Cowl

As 2019 draws to a close, I’m excited to share just one more pattern with you—the Winter Oak Cowl. Inspired by the colors of oak leaves and bark in winter, Winter Oak is worked in the round with three colors of sportweight yarn. I knit up the sample in flyWHEEL by Harrisville Designs, a cushy, tweedy 100% wool yarn.

The pattern gives you two options for this cowl — a longer version with three lace bands (maximum warmth) and a shorter one with two lace bands (quicker to knit). Through January 1, you can save 20% on the Winter Oak pattern in my Ravelry pattern store with the coupon code COWL20.

On New Year’s Day, we’ll kick off a Winter Oak KAL in the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group. Feel free to join us anytime before then to chat about yarn possibilities and share your color ideas. I really can’t wait to see how the cowl looks in other color combinations. I chose a warm palette, but I can imagine this cowl would also look terrific in cooler colors — maybe light gray, deep blue, and teal? Or perhaps a trio of neutrals — beige, nut brown, and dark brown? Each knitter’s cowl will be different, an expression of their unique, personal style and creativity.

If you’re still working on holiday gifts, I hope you get everything done in time with a minimum of stress. Have a beautiful holiday season — and see you in January for the Winter Oak KAL!

LINKS
Winter Oak Cowl
Winter Oak Knitalong
Bonnie Sennott: Ravelry Designer Page

The Indie Design Gift-a-Long Is Here!

The annual Ravelry Indie Design Gift-a-Long has begun! As always, it starts with a big sale by more than 250 independent designers. After the sale, the event continues, as knitters and crocheters tackle their holiday gift making together. With lots of fun games, prizes (yarns, project bags, shawl pins, and more), even holiday recipes — the GAL is the place to be, now through the end of the year.

I've got 20 patterns in the sale — recent releases as well as timeless favorites — see them all in my Gift-a-Long bundle. Mitts, socks, cowls, shawls, hats — something for everyone on your gift knitting list (or maybe a treat for yourself?). Through Monday, December 2, save 25% on my Gift-a-Long sale patterns with the coupon code giftalong2019.

Happy holiday knitting,
Bonnie

Mitts Season

With morning temperatures falling below 40F, the season for fingerless mitts is at hand (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun!).

I confess, I love everything about fingerless mitts. They’re a great way to use single or partial skeins of yarn. They keep your hands and wrists warm but your fingers free. And, since they’re quick and easy to make, they’re ideal when a knitter needs instant gratification (always nice after a big project, like a Rhinebeck sweater). Plus, they’re terrific gifts!

I’ve just finished a pair of Indikon mitts, using handspun Cormo that I dyed with hickory nuts. I’m excited to wear them at Rhinebeck this weekend, because that’s where I originally got the fiber (from Springdelle Farm).

Indikon Mitts, by Bonnie Sennott

To celebrate mitts season, I’m having a pattern sale. All fingerless mitts patterns in my Ravelry store are 20% off with the coupon code MITTS20. Sale ends midnight EST on Tuesday, October 22.

The Indikon pattern provides instructions for two sizes. To make them, you’ll need 190 (225) yds/175 (205) m of sportweight yarn. They’re knit in the round on double-pointed needles. My handspun yarn was a little heavier than sport, but it worked just out fine. The textured stitches make these mitts especially warm and cozy.

Will you be at Rhinebeck? Are you knitting like mad to finish your Rhinebeck shawl or sweater? I’ve just got half a sleeve to go, so I feel pretty confident I’ll finish in time. I’m making the Green Leaf Pullover by Maureen Clark from At the Spinnery. Along with it, I’ll be wearing my new Catharus shawl (also in At the Spinnery). If you’re heading to Rhinebeck, be sure to stop by the Green Mountain Spinnery booth in Building 22D to see the book and the samples.

The weather forecast for Rhinebeck is looking perfect. Can’t wait!

LINKS
Indikon Mitts
Fingerless Mitts Sale
New York Sheep and Wool Festival

Pattern Release: Catharus Shawl

Good news, shawl knitters! My Catharus Shawl, originally published in At the Spinnery, is now available as a Blue Peninsula pattern.

Catharus, by Bonnie Sennott

Named after the hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), this triangular shawl features a wide rib flowing gracefully into sculptural, nupp-flecked lace. It’s worked top-down in fingering weight yarn — you’ll need 800 yards (732 m).

Through Sunday, September 22, the Catharus Shawl pattern is on sale in my Ravelry store — use the coupon code SEPTEMBER to save 20 percent. It’s also on sale in my Etsy shop (no coupon code needed there).

For the sample, I used Green Mountain Spinnery’s Lana in the gorgeous Rosado colorway. This lofty 2-ply fingering weight yarn blocked out beautifully, creating a shawl that's warm and cozy yet light as a feather. I can't wait to wear it at Rhinebeck!

Get all the details on yardage, needles, notions, and more on Ravelry. The introductory Catharus sale ends this Sunday, September 22.

All Shawls Sale

As the mornings grow cooler and leaves start to turn, knitters begin daydreaming about cozy fall knits. To help you get started creating the perfect fall shawl, all Blue Peninsula shawl patterns are 20% off on Ravelry. Use the coupon code SHAWLS20 to get the discount (you can use it more than once).

A few ideas, clockwise from upper left: Ischnura, Mayblossom, Wonderberry, Hop Brook, and Streusel. The sale ends Monday, September 2 (magazine patterns are not included).

Happy knitting! If you’re in the U.S., I hope you have a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend with plenty of time for knitting.

LINKS

Bonnie Sennott: Ravelry Designer Page
Shawls Bundle