July Indie Pattern Round-up

As I write this in the UK temperatures are reaching record-breaking highs. Cocooned in a room with the curtains shut to keep out the heat it feels too hot to do much at all, never mind knitting. Daft really that we pay so much money to travel abroad on holiday to countries with good weather but when the thermometer soars at home we moan it's too hot. I suppose that's because in the UK we have to work in the heat, don't have air-con on demand nor a sea breeze or cool pool with waiter drinks and snacks service!

With my knitting needles temporarily idle I've instead been enjoying researching this month's new pattern and yarn releases. July is a funny month for British knitting businesses. The big hitters, such as Rowan and Sirdar, are gearing up for an August launch of their Autumn/Winter season. It's the small business indie dyers and designers who are carrying on releasing new products to soak up in the sunshine.

Ysolda

Her latest release is Inverleith, a boxy T-shirt pattern, priced at £7. Ysolda prides herself on inclusivity and she has designed Inverleith in 12 sizes. She says about the knit: "Inverleith is a top down tee with beautiful drape and a simple construction - no short rows... the shoulders are worked in one piece and then divided for front and back. The front and back are each worked flat and then joined in the round at the underarm. Folded cuffs are worked by picking up stitches around the armhole and the neck is finished with a simple edging."

Inverleith image courtesy of Ysolda.

The pattern uses Sedum, Ysolda's own merino/linen/silk-blend yarn, which is currently out of stock. More will be available soon and Ysolda offers ideas on suitable alternatives.

There's also a knit-along taking place from now until September 16th. To find out more and join in go to the Ysolda's Inverleith forum on Ravelry.

Kate Davies

Davies has revealed that Downstream is the final design from her Bold Beginner Knits collection, due to be published in print form in August priced £15. Pre-orders don't pay P&P and if you order now  you'll receive pattern downloads before the print book is published.

Downstream image courtesy of Kate Davies

I love the easy-throw on ability of this buttonless cardigan. It's knitted in Davies' own yarn Ard-Thir. Look out on A Woolly Yarn in August for a view of Bold Beginner Knits when it is published.

Arnall-Culliford Knitwear

This month the crafty couple released a sock pattern, Hedera Helix, downloadable at Ravelry for £5.

The pattern was originally part of the company's A Year of Techniques pattern book, and is now available to knitters who don't want to buy the whole collection. Socks, because of their portability, tend to be a popular summer knitting choice. This pair is knitted in sport-weight yarn.

Baa Ram Ewe

Look at the goldfish on this bright knit! Fishing for Compliments has options for short and long sleeves, was designed by Manja Vogelsang and is downloadable on Ravelry for £6.49.

Fishing for Compliments image courtesy of Baa Ram Ewe

Baa Ram Ewe is promoting their 4ply Pip Colourwork yarn for this pattern. Pip Colourwork comes in cute 25g balls and is available in 15 shades.

Kay F Jones

Have you heard of The Swish and Flick Collective? It's a collection of seven Harry Potter-themed patterns designed by Kay F Jones released between May and November this year. The Choose Your House Socks is a bonus pattern.

Image courtesy of K F Jones

Which house do you want to be in at Hogwarts?? The Swish and Flick Collective costs £20.40 to download on Ravelry.

Blacker Yarns spoiler

Blacker Yarns has announced that this year's one-off anniversary special yarn will be called Cornish Garden. It will go on sale on September 20th and there will be five dyed colours. Watch this space nearer the time for A Woolly Yarn's review!

What are you knitting in the heat? Let us know in the comments below or on A Woolly Yarn's Facebook page.