New patterns in Vivacious KIDS

Rachel has 4 new designs in the latest collection from British yarn company, Fyberspates: Vivacious KIDS. See below for a 25% discount on purchases of the eBook and single pattern downloads from Ravelry.

In fact, not only does she have patterns in the new collection, but also her two gorgeous boys can be found modelling the knits. You can see the mischievous fun they had on the photoshoot...

Rachel's patterns include socks (naturally!), hats and mittens, and are sized from ages 2 through 10. The collection supports the Fyberspates Vivacious yarn range, which comes in both 4ply and DK weights and is a 100% super wash merino yarn. It's a joy to knit with, and has a pleasing bouncy hand.

Jack-Be-Nimble is a striped hat in Vivacious 4ply - perfect if you have some leftovers from other CoopKnits projects...

Next up are the Margery Daw socks, with a pretty mirrored cable down the leg and foot. These socks have a short row heel and are sized for foot circumferences of 4-7in [10-18cm].

Knitted in Vivacious DK, Rachel's Lickety-Split Cabled Hat would make a perfect quick gift, and the sizes would work for both kids and adults. I can see myself making a few for various family members...

And to round up the accessories, there are these cute Tickety-Boo Mittens, which are also knitted in the DK weight yarn. They just need a ribbon to keep them in your winter coat!

If you like the look of these, and the gorgeous garments designed by Ella Austin, then help your self to a discount on purchases of any of the single patterns from the collection or the complete eBook, available through Ravelry. Simply add the patterns you desire to your cart on Ravelry, and then use the code CoopKnitsVivacious to receive a 25% discount on the price. Be sure to click on the "Use Coupon Code" button before heading to PayPal to complete your purchase. This promotion is only available until the end of the day on 26th June 2015 (British Summer Time).

All the details:
Vivacious KIDS is published in print and eBook formats. To purchase a print copy, head to your local Fyberspates retailer or ask in your local yarn shop. Print copies are RRP £10.50 or US $22.00.
The eBook is available through Ravelry for $16.00 or approx. £10.53
All of Rachel's accessory patterns are also available individually to download through Ravelry for $6.00 or approx. £3.95 (just click through the links above).
Ella Austin's garment patterns are also available individually to download through Ravelry for $7.50 or approx. £4.94.

Have you seen?

Hi Rachel!

Just a flying visit today… But I went to see Paddington at the weekend, and it was AMAZING. Not only is a great film, but Mrs Brown wears the most fantastic selection of knitwear...

Mrs Brown's jumpers ©Paddington & Co Ltd

This yellow jumper made me think of you in particular… along with the lovely YELLOW HAT that Sally Hawkins wears later on.

And Mrs Brown's hats © Paddington & Co Ltd

This is obviously a terrible picture of said hat, so you'll just have to go and see the film to get a better look at it.

Have fun! And if we don't chat again, have a very lovely Christmas.

Jen xxx

Knitting for Presents, or How Not to Go Crackers at this Time of Year!

Hi Rachel!

We are well and truly into the Christmas season, aren't we? The kids have gone from saying that Christmas is ages away, to taking every opportunity to point out all the preparations everyone else is making… "Mum, when's our tree going to arrive? Mum, when will Father Christmas come? Mum, is it Christmas Day yet?"

It is very tempting at this time of year to suddenly embark upon a frenzy of knitting presents for EVERYONE! This way lies madness… Don't ask me how I know! Instead, the secret is to pick one or two small accessories for the most knit-worthy people in your life, and try not to worry too much if they aren't finished for the 25th.

With this plan in mind, I thought I would round up a few of my favourites among your patterns, just in case anyone else is struck with a last-minute desire to wrap a loved one in wool… First up are a few hats. No-one can ever have too many hats! I'm convinced of this (don't try to talk me out of it…)

Dessa from Twist Collective Image © Jane Heller

Dessa is a beautiful hat (and cowl set), knitted in Fibre Company Savannah DK (which Ravelry lists as a sport weight yarn). The patterning isn't too challenging, so I reckon even my tired knitting brain would manage to knock one of these out in a few evenings in front of the TV. I love how the rib grows into the patterning on the body of the hat!

Adela beret from eBook Winter One Image © Rachel Coopey

You can buy the pattern for the Adela beret as a single pattern for £3, or treat yourself to the whole Winter One ebook (with a number of other excellent gift knits!), for just £8. It's knitted using 160-223m of The Knitting Goddess's DK silk and merino wool, which makes it great for a single 100g hank of DK that you might just have to hand...

Grania from Twist Collective Image © Linus Ouellet

If you have a little more time on your hands between now and THEN, what about one of Rachel's glorious 4ply hats? There is a lovely selection of colour work and cabley hats in Coop Knits Toasty volume 1 (if you've been looking for an excuse to buy, then now's your chance!). These are all knitted using Baa Ram Ewe's bouncy Titus 4ply. Or what about Grania (shown above) from the Fall 2014 Twist Collective? This is a hat and mittens set, and I adore the zingy colour work and massive pompom.

I hope that those hats have given you some present knitting inspiration (you could also cast on for one for yourself you know?!). I will be back next week with some ideas for mittens and neckwear to keep you snug as a bug and not too crackers.

Take care, Jen x

Vital links:
Dessa - hat and cowl set from Twist Collective Winter 2013 $6 or approx £3.93
Adela Beret from Winter One eBook single pattern costs £3 or Winter One eBook for £8
Grania - hat and mittens set from Twist Collective Fall 2014 $6 or approx £3.93
Coop Knits Toasty Volume 1 eBook £12 or print & eBook £12 + P&P