RADIANT ORCHID: Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2014

Today Pantone® announced RADIANT ORCHID 18-3224 as the Colour of the Year for 2014, a vibrant and captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.

“An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society,” said Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

Fashion
Radiant Orchid was a shade that dominated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and has already made its way onto the red carpet.

Beauty
This modern and versatile shade enlivens the skin with a blend of both cool and warm undertones. It's a flattering hue and makes all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Celebrities have been quick to embrace this colour through the use of eye shadow, liner, lipstick and nail polish.

Interiors

Radiant Orchid is an adaptable colour that can spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. It complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a beautiful combination when paired with turquoise and teal. It is an uplifting and bold colour without being overpowering.

While Emerald, the 2013 colour of the year, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the colour wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.

DOUBLE EYELET RIB

STITCH OF THE MONTH – December 2013

The Double Eyelet Rib is a variation of the rib stitch that creates a lovely texture featuring columns of eyelet lace. It can be used for edgings and cuffs where a ribbed pattern is required or can be used as an inset panel. The ribbing tends to ‘shrink’ through the width which should be taken into consideration if using it as an all-over stitch pattern.

It’s a popular pattern that is prominently featured in baby patterns but is also used for socks, scarves and afghans.

Double Eyelet Rib Stitch

(Multiples of 7 stitches + 2)

Row 1 (RS):  p2, *k5, p2; repeat from * to end

Row 2:  k2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end

Row 3:  p2, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, p2; repeat from * to end

Row 4:  k2, *p5, k2; repeat from * to end

These 4 rows form the Double Eyelet Rib stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog     knit 2 stitches together

RS         right side

skp        slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over

yo           yarn over

RIDGED RIB

Stitch of the Month - November 2013
The alternating knit and purl stitches of ribbing ensures that the fabric does not curl. This inherent characteristic of ribbed knitting stitches will ensure that the knitted fabric will lay flat. This makes it particularly useful for edges of garments such as cuffs, hems, as well as scarves and blankets or any other project where you need the vertical and horizontal edges to remain flat.

The Ridged Rib adds an interesting texture to the basic ‘knit one, purl one’ ribbing by adding two garter stitch rows into the stitch pattern.

 

Ridged Rib (Straight Needles)

(Multiples of 2 + 1 stitch)
Row 1 (RS):  Knit.
Row 2:  Knit.
Row 3:  P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 4:  K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
These 4 rows form the pattern.

Ridged Rib (Circular Needles)

(Even number of stitches)
Row 1 (RS):  Knit.
Row 2:  Purl.
Row 3:  *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 4:  *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
These 4 rows form the pattern.

Abbreviations
RS - Right side
Rep – Repeat

WOODSTOCK FLEECE FESTIVAL

The Woodstock Fleece Festival was held on Saturday, October 19th. It was a rainy and chilly day but the beautiful fall colours made for a scenic trip and was a prelude to the spectacular colours of yarn available at the festival. 

I enjoy this festival because it's a bit different than the other festivals. There is a lot of yarn but it also features raw fibers, hand-dyed yarns, rug-hooking, work shops, demonstrations, and a barn with the animals that give us the beautiful fibers.

I bought some Pashmina Worsted yarn made by Madeline Tosh that's a blend of merino wool, silk and cashmere from The Needle Emporium. The yarn is luxurious, cozy and soft. I've been busy knitting up swatches for a new sweater design.

SIX STITCH CABLES

Stitch of the Month - October 2013

Cables add a wonderful texture and interest to knits. The cables are created by crossing one set of stitches over another with the use of a cable needle (or double-pointed needle) producing a twist in the fabric. Cable patterns can be simple in form or feature complex pattern designs. They are usually worked as stockinette stitches over a reverse stockinette stitch background. It is important to note that cables pull the work in so the stitch gauge will change as cable patterns are added to the fabric.  

Cables that slant to the right are created by moving the stitches on the cable needle to the back. The cables that slant to the left are created by moving the stitches on the cable needle to the front.

The six-stitch cables patterns shown are worked over 6 rows and include a six-stitch cable variation.

Stitch pattern shown from left to right: 1. Six-stitch cable variation slant to left, 2. Six-stitch cable variation slant to right, 3. Six-stitch cable slant to left, 4. Six-stitch cable slant to right.

Six-Stitch Cable (Slant to the right)
Row 1 and 3 (RS):  Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl.
Row 5:  C6B.
Row 6:  Purl.
These 6 rows form the pattern.

Six-Stitch Cable (Slant to the left)
Row 1 and 3 (RS):  Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl.
Row 5:  C6F.
Row 6:  Purl.
These 6 rows form the pattern.

Six-Stitch Cable Variation (Slant to the right)
Rows 1, 3, 7, 9, 13 and 15 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl.
Rows 5 and 11:  C6B.
Row 16:  Purl.
These 16 rows form the pattern.

Six-Stitch Cable Variation (Slant to the left)
Rows 1, 3, 7, 9, 13 and 15 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl.
Rows 5 and 11:  C6F.
Row 16:  Purl.
These 16 rows form the pattern.

Abbreviations
C6B - Cable over 6 stitches to the back. This is worked by sliding 3 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle to behind the left needle. Knit the next 3 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
C6F - Cable over 6 stitches to the front. This is worked by sliding 3 stitches from the left needle onto a cable needle. Move the cable needle in front of the left needle. Knit the next 3 stitches from the left needle and then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
RS - Right side.
WS - Wrong side.

PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT SPRING 2014

Today Pantone® released their fashion colors for Spring 2014 during the first day of New York Fashion Week. The colors are described as ‘A Season of Color Equilibrium’. “This season consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium”, said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allow for experimentation with new look and color combinations.”

Designers have paired soft pastels with vivid brights for spring 2014 to create a colorful equilibrium. The colors are inspired by a "mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women". Designers use color to refresh, revive and defy with this modern twist on the traditional.

The top colors for women's fashion for spring 2014 are:

   Pastels

      PLACID BLUE - pastel blue that is reminiscent of tranquil skies

      VIOLET TULIP - romantic, vintage purple

      HEMLOCK - summery, ornamental green

   Neutrals

      PALOMA - quintessential neutral grey

      SAND - lightly toasted and amiable neutral

   Strong, Vibrant Colors

      FREESIA - blazing yellow

      CAYENNE - spicy, high-pitched red

      CELOSIA ORANGE - fresh orange 

      RADIANT ORCHID - bright, rich purple

      DAZZLING BLUE - a subtler shade of cobalt blue

Dazzling Blue is currently trending as the Color of the Year for 2014.  WWD has reported that 17.05 percent of designers used this hue in their spring 2014 fashions for women. The color may feel very familiar - it's being compared to “Facebook Blue”. 

KNITTED HEMS

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2013

Hems are created when the knitted fabric is folded back and stitched into place. It's used to stabilize the bottom edge so the garment will hold its shape and prevent it from curling or stretching. Knitted hems adds a structural design element to a design.

It's important to do a gauge swatch when incorporating a hem into a design (particularly if the stitch pattern will change after the hem has been worked). It is recommended to use needles one or two sizes smaller than the main garment be used for the hems. 

THE PICOT HEM
The Picot Hem adds femininity and charm to a garment.  This is a popular hem used in patterns for baby garments and accessories.

Picot Hem

(even number of stitches)

Rows 1 thru 4:  St st
Row 5:  K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to end, k1. 

Rows 7 thru 9:  St st
Fold fabric under along the picot row and slip stitch edging into place. 

PURL FOLDLINE HEM
The row of purl stitches adds a sharp fold line to the hem of a garment.

Purl Foldline Hem
(any number of stitches)
Work in St st for 8 rows (ending with a purl row).
Row 1 (RS):  Knit
Row 2:  Purl
Cont working in St st for 8 rows.
Row 9:  Purl 
Row 10:   Cont working in St st beginning with a Purl row for 8 rows.
Fold fabric under along the purl row and slip stitch edging into place.

Abbreviations
Cont     continue
k2tog    knit 2 stitches together
rep       repeat
RS       right side
St st     stockinette stitch
yo         yarn over
WS       wrong side

KNITTERS' FAIR 2013

There are so many signals that the summer is drawing to a close: Moms are getting their children ready to go back to school, the CNE is on in Toronto, Labour Day is this weekend, and the mums are growing in the garden. Sad to know that our short summer is coming to an end and that we'll all be back to our regular routines after the labour day long weekend. 

But it also signifies it's time for the knitting fairs to begin! The first event is the Knitters' Fair which is organized by the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters' Guild by knitters for knitters. This year the show boasts 70 vendors offering the latest and greatest knitting products in a 35,000 square foot showroom. This year it will be held at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex which is a new venue for the event.

The vendors will offer a dazzling array of yarns, knitting books, patterns and accessories.

Date     Saturday, September 14th
Time     9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Place    Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
             400 East Avenue
             Kitchener, ON
Cost      $7 per ticket 

Anne Blayney is the featured speaker at the event. The topic of her presentation is ColourRIOT: Making and using your personal colour palette in knitting and beyond! Anne will begin speaking at 11:00 AM and this is being offered at no cost on a first come - first serve basis.

A fashion show will take place at 1:00 PM. 

TEACHING AT THE NEEDLE EMPORIUM

I'm excited to announce that I'll be teaching a Beginner's Knitting class at The Needle Emporium in Ancaster.

          Dates:  Friday August 16th and Friday August 23rd, 2013
          Time:   1-3 pm

You can get more information by visiting the blog for The Needle Emporium:

http://www.areallygoodyarn.blogspot.ca/2013/08/beginner-knitting.html

          THE NEEDLE EMPORIUM

          420 Wilson Street East

          Ancaster, ON  L9G 2C3

          Phone:  (905) 648-1994

          Toll Free: (800) 667-9167

EYELET CHEVRON

STITCH OF THE MONTH – August 2013

The Eyelet Chevron is a classic knit stitch that produces a zigzag eyelet pattern. The right-slanting stitches are produced by knitting two stitches together, while the left-slanting stitches are made by slipping a stitch, knitting the next stitch and then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch. There is a double decrease where the left and right slanting stitches meet to finish the pattern. The eyelets are formed using a simple yarn over.

The Eyelet Chevron pattern is on a stockinette stitch background which means that the edges of the fabric will curl so you may want to avoid using it as a border stitch.  It would look great in a sweater, hat or a blanket (such as a baby blanket with a seed stitch border).

Eyelet Chevron Stitch Pattern

(Multiples of 12 stitches + 1 stitch)

Row 1 (RS):  K4, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k7; rep from * to last 9 sts, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k4.

Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl

Row 3:  K3, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skp, k5; rep from * to last 10 sts, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skp, k3.

Row 5:  K2, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, skp, k3; rep from * to last 11 sts, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, skp, k2

Row 7:  K1, *k2tog, yo, k7, yo, skp, k1; rep from * to end

Row 9:  K2tog, yo, k9, *yo, sk2p, yo, k9; rep from * to last 2 sts, yo, skp.

Row 10:  Purl

These 10 rows form the Eyelet Chevron stitch pattern.

Abbreviations
k2tog   knit 2 stitches together
rep       repeat
skp      slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over
sk2p    slip one stitch, knit two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over
yo        yarn over

New Website and New Blog are Live

Announcing the new website for Nadine McLeod Designs that launched earlier today!

I wanted to update the look and feel of the new website that now includes eCommerce. Check out the very cool Knitting Bags that are available for sale to hold your knitting projects (they can also be used as an overnight bag). I'm working on an exciting new product that will be coming out later this year. Stay tuned for more details...

I also moved the blog to a new hosting site earlier this month and love the new and layout. Please feel free to sign up to follow by email.

FISHTAIL LACE

STITCH OF THE MONTH - July 2013

Fishtail Lace is a traditional vertical lace stitch pattern.  This popular pattern that is widely used creates a lace pattern that resembles fishtails with lovely rounded-points at the case-on edge. The pattern has a simple repetition of 8-stitches by 6-rows.

Fishtail Lace Stitch Pattern

(Multiples of 8 stitches + 1 stitch)

Row 1 (RS):  K1, *yo, k2, sk2p, k2, yo, k1; repeat from * to end

Row 2 and all WS rows:  Purl

Row 3:  K2, *yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 7 sts; yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k2

Row 5:  K3, *yo, sk2p, yo, k5; rep from * to last 6 sts, yo, sk2p, yo, k3

Row 6:  Purl

These 6 rows form the Fishtail Lace stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

sk2p       slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over

yo            yarn over

KAYLA CAMISOLE

Introducing the Kayla Camisole for Spring/Summer 2013. 

The camisole has been worked in a beautiful silk alpaca blend by Blue Sky Alpacas which lends a beautiful draping quality to the camisole.

The inspiration for the design was simple elegance. The idea was to create a lace pattern worked at the bottom edge of the camisole and continued through the fabric flowing into the lace straps. The lovely and simple lace pattern also adorns the center inset panel and the neck edge of the camisole.

The cami is knit in two pieces, front and back, from the bottom up on straight needles.

The pattern is available now through Ravelry, PatternFish and Craftsy.

BEGINNER'S LACE

STITCH OF THE MONTH - June 2013

I came across this lace stitch pattern that is lovely in its simplicity although it looks more complicated than it actually is to knit.  It works well as an all-over lace pattern but can also be used as an edging on sweaters or jackets.  This stitch pattern has very good drape once the garment has been knit and blocked.

Beginner’s Lace

(Multiples of 6 stitches + 1)

Row 1 and all WS rows      Purl

Rows 2, 4 and 6  K1, *yo, skp, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 8                   K2, *yo, sk2p, yo, k3, repeat from *, end last repeat k2.

Row 10                 K1, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k1; repeat from * to end

Row 12                 K2tog, *yo, k3, yo, sk2p; repeat from *, end last repeat skp.

These 12 rows form the Beginner’s Lace stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

k2tog  knit 2 stitches together

skp     slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over

sk2p   slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over

WS     wrong side

yo        yarn over

FEATHER & FAN STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH - May 2013

Feather and Fan is a classic Shetland lace stitch that is also known as Old Shale.  This simple lace pattern naturally forms a scalloped edge and produces waves of lacy fans.  It provides excellent drape to a knitted item.

The unique qualities of this stitch pattern makes it an ideal choice for projects where interesting edgings and lace fabric compliment the design such as afghans, baby blankets, socks and scarves.  It also makes a lovely edging for sweaters and jackets rather than a typical ribbed edge.

Feather and Fan
(Multiples of 18 stitches + 2)

Row 1        Knit
Row 2        Purl
Row 3        K1, *[k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times; repeat from * to last st; k1
Row 4        Knit
These 4 rows form the Feather and Fan stitch pattern.

KNITTER'S FROLIC

I had such a wonderful time at the annual Knitter’s Frolic that was held on Saturday, April 27th.  As I arrived at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto where the event was held, I was instantly mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colour and the smell of the yarn that tends to send us knitters into a bit of a frenzy. 

I was happily swept away with the crowd and quickly found myself caressing skeins of cashmere, mohair and alpaca – wonderfully luxurious yarns available in an array of beautiful colours.  There were about 60 vendors with something for everyone who loves knit, crochet and spin.  It was definitely a day to indulge in yarn and everything ‘knitting’.

There was such a sense of camaraderie and everyone I met excitedly shared stories of the wonderful yarns they had purchased, workshops they attended and new techniques they learned.  There was also a great deal of discussion about how to deal with the growing ‘stash’ at home although the consensus seemed to be that there is no such thing as too much yarn just a need for creative ideas about how to store (and in some cases hide) the stash.

I loved the display booth for Sheppard Handmade.  Laura had some beautiful pottery with really interesting texture and unique designs.  I picked up a piece to hold my DPNs which I will proudly keep out on display (they're usually tucked away in a coffee can). I also bought some buttons that will add some character and beauty to a sweater. 

    
 Simply a wonderful day...only 363 more sleeps!

BRICK STITCH

STITCH OF THE MONTH – April 2013

The Brick Stitch pattern adds unique texture and contour to a knitted fabric with purl rows and elongated slip stitches against a stockinette stitch background.  This stitch pattern works well for use in home décor items such as pillows, blankets and wash cloths.  The knitted fabric does not have a lot of drape due the texture of the stitch pattern.

Brick Stitch
(Multiples of 4 stitches + 1 stitch) 
Row 1 (RS)  K4, *k1 winding yarn twice around needle, k3; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 2          P4, *sl1 purlwise dropping extra loop, p3; repeat from * to last st, p1
Row 3          K4, *sl1 purlwise, k3; repeat from * to last st, k1
Row 4          K4, *yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k3; rep from * to last st, k1
Row 5          K2, *k1 winding yarn twice around the needle, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1   winding twice around needle, k2
Row 6          P2, *sl1 purlwise dropping extra loop, p3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1 purlwise, p2
Row 7          K2, *sl1 purlwise, k3; rep from * to last 3 sts, sl1 purlwise, k2
Row 8          K2, *yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k3; rep from * to last 3 sts, yf, sl1 purlwise, yb, k2
These 8 rows form the Brick Stitch