January 2020 Knit Along with Franklin Habit

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Knit Alongs, Make Together

Winter Sapphire: A New Curious Knit-Along with Franklin Habit

Makers’ Mercantile is pleased to announce the next Curious Knit-Along with Franklin Habit: Winter Sapphire. This simple but fascinating piece was inspired by the unusual construction of a bordered, triangular scarf first published in the 1840s. It’s worked neither from the top down nor from the bottom up–but from tip to tip. And in one piece! But this is no copy from the antique. Franklin has added not only texture–but color, blending two colorways of yarn for added depth. Closely related colorways will shimmer. More radical pairings will positively vibrate. Makers’ Mercantile will provide the perfect yarn–Zitron’s La Vie, a dazzlingly variegated blend of extrafine Merino, silk, and Tencel. It drapes and drapes and drapes; and when knit on the bias, as in the Winter Sapphire, it drapes even more. It’s soft enough to warm and comfort even a sensitive neck.

Project

As always, our Curious Knit-Alongs are designed for the knitter who is looking to learn a little bit more about the history of knitting, the structure of knitted fabrics, and techniques they may not yet have encountered. All this, plus the fellowship of a friendly and supportive group moderated by the designer.

The KAL begins January 3rd, and the adventure will continue for the entire month of January, 2020.

Join the Knit-Along and spend time with other makers in the forum. Franklin will add witty instruction and guideance as the KAL progresses through the month of January. If the kits have sold out, or if you'd like to use different colors or yarn, use the links below to purchase kit components (while supplies last).

Get the Kit

Capture Unicorn Scissors

Get just the Bag

Get just the Pattern

Join the KAL Discussion

Get the addi Rocket circular needle

Get Zitron La Vie

Materials

Materials	Zitron La Vie - Color A - 3 balls Color B - 2 balls
Finished Size	50" across long edge, 38" on each short side
Needles	addi® Rocket US 4 (3.50mm) 24” (60cm) long circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge	20 sts and 40 rows = 4” in garter stitch
Notions	4 Locking-Ring Stitch Markers Point Protectors (optional) Measuring Tape Scissors Tapestry Needle

Yarn

Zitron La Vie

Fiber Content	30% Extrafine Merino Wool 30% Silk 40% Tencel
Yardage / Weight	136 yards / 125 meters per 5- gram ball
Gauge	3.0-3.5 mm needles 7.5-8 sts per inch
Care Instructions	Hand wash, dry flat

Knit Purl Hunter October 2019 Knit Along

September 23, 2019October 4, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Knit Alongs, Knit Purl Hunter, Make Together

Join us for Michelle’s Final Knit-Along before she takes a sabbatical!

You read correctly! This will be Michelle’s final regularly scheduled KAL so skacel is going all out! To celebrate, skacel will be giving away EXTRA pirizes for the KAL drawings!

The first week’s clues drops Thursday, October 10^th.

"This will be my last KAL for now as I take a sabbatical to spend time with my ever-expanding family. Have no worries! While I am globetrotting and rocking babies, my website and videos will remain in place to assist you. I will continue to monitor the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry where I’ve made many new friends. I can’t wait to share the yarn, stitches and good times together!" - Michelle Hunter

Project

If you love to “try out” new stitch patterns, then Audition is a KAL you won’t want to miss! This generously sized asymmetrical shawl debuts four unique stitch patterns. Each pattern features interesting stitches along with improved ways to execute old standards.

The shawl is knit using the lovely shades of HiKoo® Simplicity Spray or Simplicity Tonal by HiKoo® and is paired with two skeins of solid HiKoo® Simplicity.

While the shawl design is a mystery, it is no secret that video tutorials and daily support are available all throughout the knit along.

Materials

Materials	1 Cake HiKoo® Simplicity Spray 2 hanks HiKoo® Simplicity Solid OR 4 Hanks HiKoo® Simplicity Tonal 2 Hanks Solid HiKoo® Simplicity
Finished Size	Unknown - It's a Mystery!
Needles	addi® US 7 (4.5 mm) 24" - 32" circular or size to obtain gauge
Gauge	Approximately 20 stitches and 41 rows = 4” in garter stitch, unblocked
Notions	Locking Stitch Markers Tapestry Needle

Yarn

Fiber Content	55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon
Yardage / Weight	Simplicity Tonal and Solids: 117 yards per 50 gram hank Simplicity Spray: 456 yards per 200 gram cake
Gauge	US 4-6 needles 3.5-4mm needles Approx. 5 sts per inch
Care Instructions	Machine wash cold, tumble dry low heat

October 2019 Knit Along with Franklin Habit

September 10, 2019July 23, 2020 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Knit Alongs, Make Together

Makers’ Mercantile® is pleased to bring you the second Curious Knit-Along with Franklin Habit: the Mermaid Walk Scarf. Mermaid Walk is a simple lace scarf that makes a big splash. Knit with Hikoo®’s intriguing Concentric Cotton, it’s gloriously abundant–a full eight feet long! The dramatic length is suited to a variety of occasions: as a bathing suit cover-up, as a summer wrap for day or evening, even as a statement piece at a beach wedding. But at five stitches to the inch, it knits up far more quickly than you might imagine...

And because this is a Curious Knit-Along, we’ll do more than just knit something pretty together.

Project

Mermaid Walk was inspired by knitting history, and begins with motifs from Tudor England and Belle Époque France. As the pattern progresses, you’ll experience first-hand how simple changes cause the lace to gradually transform under your fingers, and come to understand the fundamentals of how knitted lace motifs are created. As always, Franklin will be here to cheer you on, offer advice, answer questions, and chat about the history behind the design. The pattern includes both charted and written instructions; and the KAL will be supported with video tutorials for key techniques. Knitters with a good working knowledge of the basics of lace knitting should find this pattern readily accessible.

The KAL is complete; our adventure ran the entire month of October, 2019 ... but you can certainly dive in and experience this fun project anytime!

Thank you! The limited edition kits sold out in less than 24 hours!

Join the Knit-Along and spend time with other mermaids in the forum:

Join the KAL Discussion

Get Concentric Cotton

Materials

Materials	HiKoo^® Concentric Cotton - One Cake
Finished Size	18” high x 96” long, after blocking
Needles	addi® Rocket² [Squared] US 4 (3.50mm) 24” (60cm) long circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge	20 sts and 28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
Notions	One spare DPN, circular needle (any length), or interchangeable needle tip, size US 3, 4, or 5 4 Locking-Ring Stitch Markers Scissors Tapestry Needle Sewing Needle 4 Buttons

Tutorials

Yarn

HiKoo® Concentric Cotton

Fiber Content	100% Pima Cotton
Yardage / Weight	929 yards per 200 gram cake
Gauge	3.5-4.0 mm needles 5.5-6 sts per inch
Care Instructions	Hand wash, dry flat

September 2019 KAL with CraSy Sylvie Rasch

August 15, 2019August 15, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Knit Alongs, Make Together

Join us this September for a KAL with Crasy˜ Sylvie Rasch!

Best known in North America as the inventor behind the addi® FlexiFlips (or Crasy Trio as they’re known abroad), Sylvie is also a prolific designer and online personality!

As always, there will be an opportunity to in skacel sponsored prizes at the end of the KAL!

See you on September 5, 2019 when the first part of the pattern will be available to download on skacel's website, and Ravelry.

Enter the Contest at skacel

Project

Sylvie designed these lovely Fan Dance socks, featuring wool-free HiKoo® CoBaSi. Shown in both a solid and tonal colorway of CoBaSi, you could customize them even further by using a contrasting color for the toes and heels (optional).

While this project is not a mystery, the pattern will be released in parts over 4 consecutive weeks, beginning September 5, 2019. Sylvie will also be releasing helpful video tutorials along the way.

Ravelry Discussion

Materials

Materials	HiKoo® CoBaSi - 2 Hanks
Finished Size	Average Adult Foot
Needles	2.25mm addi® FlexiFlips, or size to obtain gauge
Gauge	30 sts and 42 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
Notions	Tapestry Needle Locking Stitch Marker

Yarn

HiKoo® CoBaSi is a wool-free sock yarn - a cotton, viscose from bamboo and silk blend with elastic nylon for a gentle on the hands wool-like stretch. Soft and machine washable, this is a go-to for a variety of hardy garments.

Fiber Content	55% Cotton, 16% Viscose from Bamboo, 8% Silk, 21% Elastic Nylon
Yardage / Weight	220 yards per 50 gram skein
Gauge	US 1-4 / 2.5-3.5 mm needles 6.5-8 sts per inch
Care Instructions	Machine wash cold, dry flat

Kyle William August 2019 Knit-Along

July 11, 2019August 1, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Knit Alongs

Kyle William's Knit Knit Cowl Knit-Along
Featuring HiKoo® Sueño

You love to knit. I love to knit. We all love to Knit! Join Kyle Kunnecke for the Knit Knit Cowl Knit-Along the entire month of August! This project is worked using two hanks of HiKoo® Sueño , a lovely yarn made of 80% Superwash Merino and 20% Viscose from Bamboo.

1. Download the pattern on Ravelry
2. The Knit-Along begins on August 8^th
3. Join the discussion on Ravelry
4. Enter the contest through skacel

Project

Proclaim your love for the craft with the Knit Knit cowl. Designed with an easy-to-follow chart, follow the letters as each row repeats the in-the-round mantra of knitters everywhere!

Once in a while, the letters line up for a vertical “Knit” as well! This project requires knitting knowledge including: provisional cast on , knit/purl, reading charts, increase/decrease, and simple finishing; all on circular needles.

Materials

Materials	HiKoo® Sueño 2 hanks in contrasting colors
Finished Size	7” high x 26” diameter
Needles	US 7 (4.5mm) 24” addi® circular US 8 (5.0mm) 24” addi® circular US 3 (3.25mm) 24” addi® circular or sizes needed to obtain gauge
Gauge	28 stitches and 26 rounds = 4” in pattern
Notions	Tapestry Needle 6 Stitch Markers (one unique) Scissors Measuring Tape Crochet Hook

Yarn

HiKoo® Sueño is a DK weight Peruvian yarn is a blend of soft superwash merino and bamboo, and is made with strength and wearability in mind. The perfect amount of spring makes knitting with it a pleasure, and allows for a variety of suitable gauges.

Fiber Content	80% Superwash Merino Wool, 20% Viscose from Bamboo
Yardage / Weight	100 grams Approximately 255 yds (233 m)
Gauge	US 3-7 needles 3.25-4.5mm needles Approx. 5 - 6 sts per inch
Care Instructions	Machine wash cold, dry flat

Tutorial Videos

Possible Color Combinations

Sisterhood of the Sweater

June 27, 2019June 27, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Make Together

by Katie Rempe

With all that’s happening in our community, we believe it is the perfect time to resurrect the Sisterhood Sweater from 2016. This project was developed to help spread self-love, inclusion, and diversity within our industry, something that is needed now more than ever.

We stand together. We are close knit and will not unravel. This is the message we have always strived to achieve and will continue to pursue.

It happens every day. You see a new pattern in a magazine or online and think something along the lines of, “Oh, I don’t look like the model, so I can’t make that.”

That sentiment became the inspiration for this experiment. The “Sisterhood of the Sweater” was designed with many body types in mind to prove that, yes, you can make it!

We found 8 women ranging in age from their 20’s-60’s in different shapes, sizes, and heights to prove this point, a dream for many years for Karin Skacel! Once they chose their desired color combo, they knit the same sweater in their respective sizes. Once completed, we went on a shopping spree to help them pair the perfect outfit to wear with their new sweater.

Join me as I break down each project by person. You’ll find out why it works, along with tips you can use for yourself!

Katie – Designated Knitter for 12 years
Mixing distressed jeans with a polished boho style top is a great match for this color scheme.

Kim – Designated Knitter for 18 years
A fun top with classic black capris. This look is easy to dress up or down on the fly!

Betsey – Designated Knitter for 11 years
A pop of color from her plaid tie accentuates the colors of the sweater. A classic white button-down and faded jeans complete this look that could take her almost anywhere.

Liz – Designated Knitter for 50 years
You can’t go wrong with a classic Little Black Dress and a great statement piece necklace.

Pat – Designated Knitter for 35 years
Pat is tall and this maxi print skirt flatters and compliments her brightly colored top.

Dena – Designated Knitter for 28 years
Sophisticated separates are easy to pair with other tops/bottoms and make for a flattering look.

Shannon – Designated Knitter for 8 years
Just because your sweater is colorful doesn’t mean your outfit can’t be too. Pick out a print that matches!

Hannah – Designated Knitter for 5 years
Young and cool. This sweater works equally well with this vintage inspired top, sunglasses and colored jeans.

Things we learned along the way:

Pick your outfit first, then the colors to make your sweater in.
You really can’t pick a bad color combination for this project. They all work!
When you design a jacket in the fall, your models will have to wear the finished product in the hot spring sunshine!
Having a great support group is the key to any successful idea!

We hope that you feel inspired to join the Sisterhood (or Brotherhood!) of the Sweater. You can find the free pattern at Makers' Mercantile^®.

Get the Pattern

July 2019 Knit Along with Franklin Habit

June 18, 2019July 10, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Knit Alongs

Franklin Habit's Counterpane Pillow Knit-Along
Featuring Zitron Herbstwind

Join us for Franklin Habit’s Counterpane Pillow Knit-Along featuring Zitron Herbstwind, a fantastically soft extrafine Merino wool from Tasmania. We know you love Franklin's patterns as much as we do, and joining this knit-along is easy:

1.) Purchase the pattern on Ravelry HERE, and join along using existing stash, or handspun yarn.

2.) Purchase a minimum of 3 balls of Zitron Herbstwind in the color(s) of your choice, from Makers' Mercantile, now through the end of July. Enter your Ravelry ID at the time of purchase and automatically receive your digital copy of the pattern when the KAL kicks off on July 5th.

The Counterpane Knit-Along starts Friday July 5, 2019. Get your supplies now!

Project

The Counterpane Pillow is worked in pieces, and then joined together with simple finishing. Five buttons complete the cover.

This project requires knitting knowledge including: knit/purl, simple increasing/decreasing, and finishing; all on straight or circular needles.

Need buttons? Enter code COUNTERPANE at checkout to receive 15% off buttons for your Counterpane Pillow!

Shop Zitron Herbstwind Yarn

Materials

Materials	Zitron Herbstwind 1-color Pillow: 3 balls of one color 2-color Pillow: 2 balls C1, 2 ball C2 3-color Pillow: 1 balls C1, 1 ball C2, 1 ball C3
Finished Size	12” (30.48 cm) high x 12” (30.48 cm) wide
Needles	addi US 3 (3.25 mm) 24” (60 cm) circular, or size needed to obtain gauge
Gauge	24 sts and 28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
Notions	Tapestry Needle 9 Stitch Markers Sewing needle Good quality sewing thread One 12 inch pillow form 5 Buttons 5 Button Backers (Optional)

Shop Herbstwind Yarn

Shop Needles

Shop Buttons

Yarn

Zitron's Herbstwind - a fantastically soft extrafine Merino wool from Tasmania. Learn more about this fantastic yarn!

Fiber Content	100% Tasmanian Merino Extrafine
Yardage / Weight	50 grams Approximately 181 yds (165 m)
Gauge	US 5-6 needles 5 - 6.75 stitches per inch
Care Instructions	Superwash, dry flat

Tutorial Videos

The Chilly Dog May 2019 Knit Along Week Four

May 30, 2019July 27, 2020 by Tara Warburton, posted in Chilly Dog, Knit Alongs

Having fun with the Line Drawing Knit Along with Ellen Thomas of The Chilly Dog?

The fourth week is all about the heel and Ellen has provided a video to help you out.

Don't forget to join us on the Makers' Mercantile Ravelry Discussion Group!

Want more info on the KAL or Zitron Art Deco Yarn? Check out our KAL Information.

Still need your yarn or other supplies? Check out Makers' Mercantile!

June 2019 Monster Along with Belinda Creech

May 24, 2019May 24, 2019 by Tara Warburton, posted in Knit Alongs

BeLinda Creech's "Monster" Make-Along ...
Featuring Makers’ Mercantile exclusive Kinky Yarn

BeLinda Creech is hosting June’s Makers’ Mercantile KAL

Join educator and toy-maker BeLinda Creech for the June Makers' Mercantile Monster-Along! Using Kinky Yarn, she will provide ideas and encouragement as you craft your very own monsters. All it takes is 1/2 of a coil of Kinky Yarn, a little felt, some buttons, and your inner child! We can't wait to see everyone's creations!

Want the pattern for free? Purchase Kinky Yarn now through 6/30, and receive a download code for the pattern for free!

The Line Drawing Knit-Along starts Saturday June 1st, 2019. Get your supplies now!

Project

Toymaker BeLinda Creech handcrafts fiberarts “creechures” in her Kentucky studio. When showing her work at craft fairs and galleries, patrons comment “wow!” or “This is so amazing.. can I take a photo?” They love the imagination involved in crafting a toy but not many realize that the “making” of a toy is almost as magical as the giving it away.

In this Monster-Along, we're going to make a toy and talk about why it matters.

BeLinda took her little Sharpie monster to knitting class yesterday and her students loved him. They talked about how cute he was and how he fit in their hands just perfectly and how he felt so good to hold. Guess what? All that stuff really matters to her. She loves seeing smiles, and making people laugh, and having a moment of joy. The size of the monster and its simplified features are part of what help it to be an ideal first toy for you to make (either alone, or with your little one).

For her, the most ideal toys come from imagination, and aren’t tied to culture or television shows. These special creatures provide the chance to create an identity as well. What name might you choose? Does he like popcorn? Beets? Does he live in the air conditioner because he likes how the wind blows through his fluffy body?

The best part? It's not just kid stuff. While BeLinda teaches children both in schools and at an art studio, many of her favorite customers are grown-ups who look at something she made and it sparks interest in their inner child.

Let’s make a new friend. Maybe it's for you, or a kid...or a grown-up friend that needs a little joy. BeLinda will be on Ravelry all June long to cheer you on in your project so come join the conversation there and feel free to ask questions.

Shop Kinky Yarn

Schedule

Join BeLinda and your fellow Monster-Makers in the Makers' Mercantile Ravelry Group Page. This forum provides a space for you to share progress, stories, and ideas as you bring your monsters to life.

Materials

Materials	1 coil of Kinky Yarn
Finished Sizes	Approximately 9” from hand to hand, and 8” head to toe, 2” thick
Needles	addi FlipStix size US 10 (6.00 mm)
Gauge	12 sts + 24 rows in 4” garter stitch
Notions	Tapestry Needle, Stitch Marker, Two (2) buttons or safety eyes, scrap felt, embroidery thread, ¼ cup vinegar, Polyfill or other stuffing, scissors
Skill Level	Intermediate

Yarn

Kinky Yarn - This fun yarn comes pre-knit in a 12 stitch tube (not an i-cord) and is ready to dye. Keep it coiled and place it in dye for an unusual effect, or open the coil and dip it all the way in a dyebath. Depending on your process, the yarn might have light spots where the fibers are compacted in the knitting. It's easy to dye this yarn, AND it's easy to get professional results, no matter your level of experience.

Fiber Content	100% Superwash Wool
Yardage / Weight	200 grams 133 meters / 147 yards
Gauge	12-16 sts and 20-22 rows = 4" on US 10-13 (6-9.0 mm) needles
Care Instructions	Hand Wash Cold, Dry Flat

The Chilly Dog May 2019 Knit Along – Week Three

May 24, 2019July 27, 2020 by Tara Warburton, posted in Chilly Dog, Knit Alongs

Having fun with the Line Drawing Knit Along with Ellen Thomas of The Chilly Dog?

The third week is all about the toe and Ellen has provided a video to help you out.

Don't forget to join us on the Makers' Mercantile Ravelry Discussion Group!

Want more info on the KAL or Zitron Art Deco Yarn? Check out our KAL Information.

Still need your yarn or other supplies? Check out Makers' Mercantile!

Kyle William's Knit Knit Cowl Knit-Along Featuring HiKoo® Sueño

Franklin Habit's Counterpane Pillow Knit-Along Featuring Zitron Herbstwind

​The Counterpane Knit-Along starts Friday July 5, 2019. Get your supplies now!

BeLinda Creech's "Monster" Make-Along ...Featuring Makers’ Mercantile exclusive Kinky Yarn

​The Line Drawing Knit-Along starts Saturday June 1st, 2019. Get your supplies now!

Kyle William's Knit Knit Cowl Knit-Along
Featuring HiKoo® Sueño

Franklin Habit's Counterpane Pillow Knit-Along
Featuring Zitron Herbstwind

The Counterpane Knit-Along starts Friday July 5, 2019. Get your supplies now!

BeLinda Creech's "Monster" Make-Along ...
Featuring Makers’ Mercantile exclusive Kinky Yarn

The Line Drawing Knit-Along starts Saturday June 1st, 2019. Get your supplies now!