Classics and new discoveries

When it comes to cuddling up, I have a really great tip for you right at the beginning: You can now get the pattern for the Hinata shawl individually from us. Those of you who have known Maschenfein for a while may remember: Hinata was the cover of our first shawl book and therefore a major milestone in our now ten-year history.

Previously, the pattern was available exclusively in the book, but now you can also purchase it individually as there will be no further book editions. Our matching sets will remain: In the photo you can see the shawl made from double stranded Piura and Premia by Lamana, a light and airy combination that still warms the neck. Alternatively, you can knit it in single stranded Milano from Lamana for a slightly more compact stitch definition. Or you can use Cashmere 6/28 from Pascuali. This is undoubtedly the most luxurious option and of course correspondingly expensive. But perhaps some of you are also looking for a gift. Either way: In the sets you now have the option of ordering the pattern as a pdf. You can find them individually here in our store and on Ravelry.

The shawl is knitted exclusively with knit stitches, increases and slip stitches. The slip stitch technique means that you don't have to knit with two colors at the same time. Basically, I would say that the shawl is suitable for advanced beginners. In any case, I worked it pretty much at the beginning of my knitting life and got on well.

The effect of the different triangles is also particularly interesting. The slightly more compact slip stitches ensure that the sections knitted in garter stitch fall beautifully loose. The result is a very unique texture that is not only fun to knit, but also a great eye-catcher!

I've had The Weekender by Andrea Mowry on my knitting list for ages and recently discovered it at Marisa's. The sweater design is from 2017 (gosh - before Corona!!), but I think it has aged beautifully and is just as wearable today as it was seven years ago.

As is so often the case with Andrea Mowry, she knits from the bottom up. A little coincidence at this point: the model has a slip stitch seam at the front and back. Together with the ribbed pattern on the shoulders, this results in fine details that are not too distracting, but are still something special.

The Weekender is knitted wrong side out so that it can be turned before the shoulders are sewn together and the wrong side is on the outside. The shoulder increases are formed with short rows. The sleeves are knitted on directly in the round in stockinette stitch. We recommend the pure new wool yarn Loch Lomond from BC Garn as an alternative to the original.

I'm really keen on more robust yarns and the corresponding look for the designs. Maybe I'll reveal more about this in the next round of "On the needles" - we'll see!

But today I really want to introduce you to the Ash Slipover V-Neck from Caidree. The sweater has a nice loose fit and is knitted from the top down in stockinette stitch. The cuffs and neckline are worked in rib. Short rows shape the armholes so that they become narrower towards the cuffs. The point of the V-neck is particularly beautiful - as is so often the case, it's the little things that round off a design. In the knitting set you will find the tweed yarn Hamelton Tweed 2 from BC Garn and Silky Kid from Kremke Soul Wool.

A long-sleeved counterpart to the slipover is the Port Jacket from Ozetta Knitwear. Here, too, the yarn is more robust: you knit with Léttlopi from Ístex, an Icelandic virgin wool yarn. The wool is processed in such a way that it retains its wind and water-repellent characteristics as well as its heat retention. As a result, Léttlopi is naturally more tactile and rougher and cannot be compared with a merino quality. I'll be honest: I'm very fascinated by this these days. I'm intrigued by how different yarns can be.

The cardigan itself is beautifully simple and can also be worn outside. You knit from the top down. The shoulders are shaped with short rows. I particularly like the double collar - it will keep you warm for sure. I would definitely add a cozy shawl. Hinata would be an option, or our Luna shawl from Midnatssol by CaMaRose. If you don't have the finest knitted head cinema now ... then I don't know what to do!

The pattern is currently only available in English - but a German translation is planned and will certainly not be long in coming. To help you with the English version, I warmly recommend our revised and now really comprehensive translation table. You can find it here for free in the store.

For those who prefer it more delicate and elegant: cardigans with ribbons to tie knots are definitely a thing this fall and winter and I bet you can already see them at the well-known textile brands (whose portfolio I actually have less of an eye on because I find such big stores quite exhausting nowadays). Nevertheless, even the big names on the market suddenly had a lot of sweaters and slipovers with zippers on the collar in their range when these designs conquered the knitwear world some time ago. Things are happening!

But since DIY is the best anyway, be sure to check out the Solene cardigan from Moreca Knit. The cardigan is the perfect companion for the first days of fall and can be worn wonderfully over shirts or tops. It is knitted from the top down. As with the original, you will also find Bergamo from Lamana in our set. The yarn is made from 75% virgin wool and 25% alpaca. It is beautifully cozy and at the same time light and fluffy. I haven't knitted it for far too long!

Did you know that Christmas is less than 100 days away? I completely missed the celebrations - and that as the Maschenfein Christmas representative! Sandra had to point it out to me. But I'm still a bit shocked.

So I promptly ordered more Fritidsgarn for a christmas stocking and made the first lists in my head. Who gets what? Many knitters are looking for beautiful design ideas for their husbands, boyfriends, fathers, etc. at Christmas - so I have an idea for you!

Andreas Ruthemann has released a new design: the Loom Sweater is a timeless basic sweater with fine details such as a woven pattern on all edges and side slits on the waistband. It is therefore exciting to knit, but at the same time not too exciting for the future wearer. It is knitted from the top down. We have two yarn suggestions for you: Snefnug from CaMaRose (soft and light, with a smaller needle) or Léttlopi from Ístex with Soft Silk Mohair from Knitting for Olive (warmer and more rustic). So take a look at the person you want to knit for first and then decide. Here the choice would be the CaMaRose version (at least I think so ...).

This week we also launched the book Memory Lane by Claudia Quintanilla. It contains 19 pattern, all of which have beautiful embellishments. The author's aim is to turn garments into truly unique pieces using small or large tricks.

As is so often the case with Laine Publishing, Memory Lane is a wonderful way to forget time and space. Claudia Quintanilla's designs are deeply rooted in the memories of her childhood in El Salvador - from the fragrant orange trees on her grandfather's farm to the gentle voice of her mother. Simple and elegant creations are transformed into true masterpieces with loving details such as filigree embroidery, delicate lace, sparkling beads and artistic crochet work. I like to say it again and again: needlework is also a piece of magic. The book is in English.

Our new YouTube video also went online this week: In it, Marisa introduces you to the maschenfein Wolken Cardigan. It is knitted from the top down with a raglan construction. You can find out everything you need to know about the yarn, the gauge swatch and the required accessories here in the video (German).