Table of contents for Summer 2019 in Knitscene

It’s greedy and relentless, decimating lives and habitats, but it also entertains us, feeds us, and provides a sense of security. The raw power of fire captivates humans—the only species bold enough to wield it. And our existence today is, in large part, thanks to our relationship with this volatile force. The Summer 2019 issue of knitscene is dedicated to exploring that unrelenting fascination. We focus on the element of fire through our color palette, stories, and patterns, and we explore fire through multiple lenses: as a tool, in its base components, and through its symbolism. “Embroidered” (page 10) is an accessories story that embellishes knitted fabric with embroidery floss and yarn. You’ll explore fire-inspired motifs through projects such as the New Growth Hat (page 12), which celebrates fire’s regenerative…

How does a dyer based in Newton, Kansas, end up naming her yarn company Coast to Coast Yarn Co? Erin Engle Bartel might live in the middle of the country, but her “heart is stretched from the West Coast to the East.” Erin’s early years were spent in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but later in life, she called New England home. Her love of both coasts remains strong, so she embodies the West, the East, and everything between in her brand name. Currently, Erin works part-time on her dye business, where she uses just as much imagination as in her day job. “Dyeing is very much a side gig for me at this point,” she says. “I’ve been doing it for less than a year now, and I’ve actually only…

The New Growth Hat is inspired by the regenerative powers of wildfire. Through fire’s destruction come bright, tiny bundles of growth nurtured by the nutrients deposited in the soil. This hat is knitted from the bottom up. Yarn Mrs. Crosby Train Case Yarn Weight Finished Size 17½ " circumference at brim; 8" tall. Yarn Mrs. Crosby Train Case (55% superwash merino wool, 30% Outlast viscose, 15% nylon; 425 yd [389 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): crème fraîche, 1 skein. Needles Size 1 (2.25 mm): 16" circular (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); tapestry needle; embroidery needle; DMC Six-Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8¾ yd [8 m]/skein): #581 (green), 2 skeins; #3848 (blue), #741 (light orange), and #3853…

Flickering flames are brought to life in the dropped-stitch pattern of the Plasma Shawl. If hot enough, flames can create plasma, one of the four fundamental states of matter. This shawl is worked back and forth in rows from the top down. Yarn Malabrigo Yarn Sock Yarn Weight Finished Size 60" along top edge and 21½ " tall at center. Yarn Malabrigo Yarn Sock (100% superwash merino wool; 440 yd [402 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): #683 cian, 3 skeins. Needles Size 2 (2.75 mm): 32" circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); tapestry needle. Gauge 24 sts and 34 rows = 4" in St st For techniques you don’t know, please visit our online knitting glossary at www.interweave.com/interweave-knitting-glossary. Notes • This shawl…

The Ignition Point Shawl’s simple colorwork and lace motifs radiate out from a centerline, creating an asymmetrical wrap with endless styling possibilities. This shawl is worked back and forth in rows. Yarn Madelinetosh Tosh Sock Yarn Weight Finished Size 13¾ (17¼)" wide and 71¾ (78¾)" long. Shawl shown measures 17¼ ". Yarn Madelinetosh Tosh Sock (100% merino wool; 395 yd [361 m]/skein): red fox (light orange; A) and saffron (dark orange; B), 2 skeins each. Needles Size 6 (4 mm): 24" circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); stitch holder; tapestry needle. Gauge 23 sts and 48 rows = 4" in garter st. For techniques you don’t know, please visit our online knitting glossary at www.interweave.com/interweave-knitting-glossary. Notes • This shawl is worked…

In a fire, the “sweet spot” is the hottest point in the flame; it lies just above the inner flame and inside the outer flame. In the Sweet Spot hat, bias stripes spiral around to form a starburst at the crown. This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up. Yarn HiKoo CoBaSi DK, distributed by Skacel Yarn Weight Finished Size 15¾ (17¼, 18¾, 20¼)" circumference at brim and 7¾ " tall. Hat shown measures 18¾ ". Yarn HiKoo CoBaSi DK (55% cotton, 21% elastic nylon, 16% bamboo, 8% silk; 140 yd [128 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #011 indigo, 1 (2, 2, 2) skein(s). Yarn distributed by Skacel. Needles Size 5 (3.75 mm): 16" circular (cir) and set of doublepointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain…

level of difficulty beginner: basic stitches easy: moving past scarves intermediate: pretty confident advanced: challenge myself knitting gauge To check gauge, cast on thirty to forty stitches using recommended needle size. Work in pattern stitch until piece measures at least 4" from cast-on edge. Remove swatch from needles or bind off loosely and lay swatch on flat surface. Place a ruler over swatch and count number of stitches across and number of rows down (including fractions of stitches and rows) in 4". Repeat two or three times on different areas of swatch to confirm measurements. If you have more stitches and rows than called for in instructions, use larger needles; if you have fewer, use smaller needles. Repeat until gauge is correct. reading charts Unless otherwise indicated, read charts from…

The Oxidation Mitts are great year-round hand-warmers—wear them outside or inside and keep your hands from freezing! The striking Kutch-style embroidery motif draws its colors from natural elements such as fire. These mitts are worked in the round from the cuff up. Yarn Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Passion 8 Yarn Weight Finished Size 8¼ " hand circumference and 9" long. Yarn Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Passion 8 (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon; 437 yd [400 m]/4 oz [113 g]): delicate arch (orange; MC), marigold (yellow; CC1), and plaid (red; CC2), 1 skein each. Needles Sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm): set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); removable m; stitch holder; tapestry needle. Gauge 25 sts and…

These sweet Butterfly Mitts remind us that all stages (from caterpillar to the final form) are important. The mitts are worked in the round from the cuff up. Yarn Harrisville Designs Shetland Yarn Weight Finished Size 6¾ " hand circumference at base. Yarn Harrisville Designs Shetland (100% pure virgin wool; 217 yd [198 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #66 melon (orange; MC) and #49 charcoal (gray; CC), 1 skein each. Needles Size 3 (3.25 mm): set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); stitch holder; tapestry needle; embroidery needle; DMC Six-Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8¾ yd [8 m]/skein): #947 (orange) and #741 (gold), 1 skein each. Gauge 26 sts and 38 rnds = 4" in St st. For techniques you…

The Sparks Top is a fun, flirty summer piece that features a flattering lace ruffle. Style it with high-waisted jeans, layer it over a dress, or knit a longer top for a more versatile tank. This top is worked in the round from the bottom up. Yarn Brown Sheep Company Cotton Fine Yarn Weight Finished Size 29 (30½, 32½, 34¼, 36¼, 37¾, 39¾, 41½)" circumference at underarm. Top shown measures 29"; modeled with 4" of negative ease. Yarn Brown Sheep Company Cotton Fine (80% Pima cotton, 20% merino wool; 222 yd [203 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #CF385 deep sea fog, 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins. Needles Sizes 1 (2.25 mm) and 2 (2.75 mm): 24" circular (cir). Size 3 (3.25 mm): 36" cir. Adjust needle size…

The Welded Lace Shawl combines knitting intrigue with a dash of lace and some fun fibers. Sections of gray stockinette stitch are connected with a textured mohair stripe to create this great summer shawl. It’s worked back and forth in rows from the center neck down and outward to the points. Yarn Rowan Cotton Cashmere and Rowan Kidsilk Haze, distributed by Sirdar USA Yarn Weight Finished Size 56" wide along upper edge and 28" tall at center point. Yarn Rowan Cotton Cashmere (85% cotton, 15% cashmere; 137 yd [125 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #225 stormy sky (gray; MC), 4 skeins. Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk; 230 yd [210 m]/7⁄8 oz [25 g]): #582 trance (teal; CC), 1 ball. Yarns distributed by Sirdar USA. Needles Sizes 6 (4 mm)…

Strips of stitches worked in horizontal openwork add interest and visual delight to this market tote with I-cord straps. This bag is worked in the round from the bottom up. Yarn Knit Picks CotLin Yarn Weight Finished Size 24½ " circumference and 16" tall from top of bag to deepest point; handle drop is 10". Yarn Knit Picks CotLin (70% Tanguis cotton, 30% linen; 123 yd [112 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #25774 rocket, 4 balls. Needles Size 3 (3.25 mm): 24" circular (cir) and set of doublepointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); removable m; size D/3 (3.25 mm) crochet hook; stitch holders; tapestry needle. Gauge 26 sts and 36 rows = 4" in St st. Notes For techniques you don’t know,…

Stacked sections of bias-knit rows make up the Kindling Cardigan—a great year-round layer you can take anywhere. This cardigan is worked back and forth on the bias in one piece to the neck and then divided for working the right and left sides. Yarn Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport, distributed by Universal Yarn Yarn Weight Finished Size 20½ (22½, 24¾, 26¼, 28½, 30½, 32¼)" back width at underarm. Cardigan shown measures 20½ " on model with 33½ " bust. Yarn Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport (100% pima cotton; 197 yd [180 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #101 port red, 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12) balls. Yarn distributed by Universal Yarn. Needles Size 4 (3.5 mm): 40" circular (cir) and set of doublepointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to…

The bold colorwork of the Combustion Shawl creates a fun accessory in a classic, ultra-wearable triangular shape. This shawl is worked back and forth in rows from the top down. Yarn Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette, distributed by Kingfisher Yarn & Fibre Yarn Weight Finished Size 70" wide and 31" tall. Yarn Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette (75% extrafine merino wool, 25% mulberry silk; 180 yd [165 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #785 boho (red; MC), 4 balls; #786 gothic (black; CC1), 3 balls; #773 pea (green; CC2), 1 ball. Yarn distributed by Kingfisher Yarn & Fibre. Needles Size 6 (4 mm): 40" circular (cir). Size 7 (4.5 mm): straight. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Removable marker (m); tapestry needle. Gauge 20 sts and 42…

The bold embroidery of the Diadem Effect Beret draws inspiration from a type of firework in which the center briefly freezes while the rest of the embers continue outward, creating a crown-like appearance. This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up. Yarn Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn Weight Finished Size 18" circumference at brim and 8" tall. Yarn Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% American Targhee-Columbia wool; 140 yd [128 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): soot, 1 skein. Needles Size 6 (4 mm): 16" circular (cir). Size 8 (5 mm): 16" cir and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Marker (m); tapestry needle; chenille needle for embroidery; DMC Six-Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8¾ yd [8 m]/skein): #900 (red), 4 skeins;…

The Mended Heart Hat and Socks Set features embroidered hearts that showcase the resilience and passion of the heart. The hat is worked in the round from the bottom up, and the socks are worked from the cuff down with a short-row heel. Yarn Sugar Bush Yarns Itty-Bitty Yarn Weight Finished Size 16½ (19, 21¼)" circumference at brim. Hat shown measures 19". Yarn Sugar Bush Yarns Itty-Bitty (65% fine superwash merino wool, 25% nylon, 10% cashmere; 153 yd [140 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #5012 slate (gray; MC), 1 (1, 2) ball(s); #5001 buttercream (white; CC), 1 ball. Needles Size 3 (3.25 mm): 16" circular (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Markers (m); tapestry needle; 10 yd red fingering-weight yarn…

The Flash Point Top’s alternating red and white stripes represent the flash point, the temperature at which an organic compound gives off sufficient vapor to spontaneously combust. This top is worked back and forth on the bias in separate pieces and seamed. Yarn Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine and Louet North America Euroflax Sport Yarn Weight Finished Size 34½ (37½, 42, 45, 48, 53)" circumference at underarm. Top shown measures 37½ "; modeled with 4" of positive ease. Yarn Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine (100% Pima cotton; 137 yd [125 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): #3713 wine (red; MC), 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins. Louet North America Euroflax Sport (100% wet-spun linen; 270 yd [247 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): champagne (cream; CC), 2 skeins. Needles Size 6 (4 mm).…

The Prometheus Top pays homage to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. The shifting color gradient represents the ashes and coals of fire. This top is worked back and forth in one piece. Yarn Shibui Knits Reed Yarn Weight Finished Size 28 (30¾, 32¼, 36¼, 37¾)" circumference at neck edge. Top shown measures 30¾ " on model with 33½ " bust. Yarn Shibui Knits Reed (100% linen; 246 yd [225 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): ash (light gray; A) and twilight (light blue; E), 1 skein each; graphite (medium gray; B), tar (dark gray; C), and suit (dark blue; D), 2 skeins each. Needles Size 10 (6 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Notions Removable markers…

I don’t like my balls of yarn smelling like cigarette, pipe, campfire, or (in the case of Colorado, where I live) marijuana smoke. My simple solution came after many failed attempts to remove the smell from a bagful of Craigslist yarn that I purchased from a cigarette smoker. After buying this yarn, the first thing I did was scour the internet. I tried several different methods that people recommended and was dismayed when not a single “trick” worked. The problem was that the solutions I tried often just masked the smell; they didn’t get rid of it completely. After all of these failed attempts, I made one last-ditch effort to remove the smell from my newly acquired balls of yarn. I was hesitant to try it because I was afraid…