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

New Pattern: Mayblossom Shawl

Named after flowering hawthorn bushes, Mayblossom is an asymmetrical triangular shawl worked in DK weight wool. Whether you wear it indoors or out, this cozy, generously sized shawl is one you'll love to wrap yourself up in.

Mayblossom Shawl by Bonnie Sennott

To celebrate its release, I’m having an introductory sale on Ravelry: take 20% off Mayblossom with the coupon code SHAWL20.

Mayblossom’s triangular shape results from increases (yarn overs) worked on RS rows on the left-hand edge only. This edge is the longest side of the triangle and is the top edge when worn. The shawl is knit flat, but a circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches. There are two sizes — 71 (77) inches/180 (195) cm along the longest edge (wingspan).

Shawl knitting goes fairly quickly with DK weight yarn. For the sample, I used Purl Soho’s Good Wool, a soft woolen spun 100% wool yarn. For either size, you'll need three skeins.

Mayblossom would make a beautiful addition to your fall wardrobe — or a thoughtful holiday gift. (It’s never too soon to start thinking about holiday knitting, right?)

Enjoy the 20% Ravelry discount through midnight EST, Sunday, August 4. Here’s a direct link that automatically applies the coupon code for you.

Thank you very much for reading. Happy shawl knitting!

Pattern Preview: Mayblossom Shawl

I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on a new lace-and-texture shawl pattern. Just a few photo editing and layout tasks remain — the pattern will be released early next week.

Named Mayblossom after blooming hawthorn branches, this asymmetrical triangular shawl is worked in DK weight wool. I used three skeins of Purl Soho Good Wool, a soft, squishy woolen-spun yarn.

Mayblossom is knit sideways, from just a few stitches, gradually growing longer and wider as you knit. It’s a generously sized shawl, really perfect for wrapping yourself up in, whether indoors or out. There are two sizes, with wingspans of 71 (77) inches/180 (195) cm along the longest edge. I can’t wait to share the pattern with you — it won’t be long now!