Habemus knitting project

The letter carrier rang our doorbell again the day before yesterday. When I know that a package is coming, it's a no-brainer. I'm practically standing near the door, keeping track of the last five delivery stops and then it's off: the door opens before the bell rings, we smile at each other (me because I'm nice and I'm expecting a maschenfein parcel, he because he's also nice and it's a smooth delivery) and - bang - the knitting happiness of the day is ready.

I'll tell you what was in my package (not everything, otherwise you'll think I'm crazy ...): CottonWaves from Gepard. I had actually planned this for another project, but then Cheryl Mokhtari came around the corner with the shoreline top and I knew: this is it.

This top is so great! You knit it from the top down and start with the back. Pick up stitches from the shoulders for the front sections. Below the armholes, everything goes onto one needle and you continue working in rows.

The gauge is 16 stitches per ten centimeters. Cheryl specifies a needle size of 4.5 mm - but be sure to check this with your own sample! In any case, the needle size I'm aiming for really appeals to me, as I've recently found that knitting with very large needles often turns out too loose for me (despite the gauge test).

The yarn has arrived again this week - only the two light beige shades are currently out of stock. Supplies have been announced for the end of May/beginning of June. I myself have chosen Harvest Gold. Do you remember my newsletter about yellow in knitwear about two weeks ago? This is my proof! I'm deadly serious about what I'm recommending to you in terms of knitting.

If you prefer it over the shoulders (I usually prefer that too!): I discovered something great at Pascuali this week! The PURE EASE shirt is a simple design with sleeves just above the elbow.

We knit from the bottom up. The front and back sections are then divided below the arms and continued separately in rows. The shoulder slopes and the neckline are shaped with short rows. Bind off on the wrong side so that you only have a subtle seam later on. By the way: When you buy the yarn, you get the pattern for free!

You'll be working with Cumbria by Pascuali, a wonderfully soft yarn made from 60% cotton and 40% viscose. The color palette consists of bold and muted colors. Cumbria has a very light fluffiness - but doesn't look at all autumnal or wintery. I'll put it this way: this project wasn't in the Maschenfein package, but that was more because the order was already out before Jule and Hannah created the knitting set!

In my package, on the other hand, there was a considerable number of Tykk Line skeins. I'll tell you what mine are for in a moment, but you can make the Everyday Tote from Sandnes with a little less or the same amount as mine.

The bag is perfect for summer walks, café visits or small purchases. You can choose between small and large sizes - you will need either four or seven balls. The structure remains the same: first crochet the base with single crochet stitches in rows. Then continue with half double crochets in rounds before working the handles using chain stitches. Crochet the top edge with crab stitches for a pretty finish. Depending on which size you choose, you can work single or double crochet. And: the pattern are included in the knitting kit free of charge.

As luck would have it (or fate - take your pick), another great new design has been released this week, which is also knitted from Tykk Line: The FARBWECHSEL top by Evgeniya Dupliy is a simple striped shirt with a beautiful bateau neckline.

The model is knitted seamlessly from the top down. First, the neckline and shoulder area are created in rounds. The front and back are then worked separately in rows. The lower part of the body is again worked in the round and finished with a ribbed edge. The armholes and neckline are worked in a pearl pattern and the garter stitch stripes add an eye-catching touch. What I particularly like: the staged color change in the yarn.

The yarn is the perfect segue for my knitting confession: No, I haven't finished my Mother's Day shawl Romy yet. I'm still in Middle Earth (aka the middle section) and am working my way towards the decreases row by row. Then the crochet cables and - poof! (haha) - I'm done too.

How are you doing? And do you give your shawl as a gift or keep it for yourself? For all of you who are giving away your version, I have a lovely ribbon and a card to print out. We hope you enjoyed knitting it as much as we did! And you can be sure ... we're already thinking about the next shawl and the next Knit-Along together. Stay tuned!

This week' s On the Needles post has also been published on our blog. As always, we tell you what the Maschenfein team is currently knitting.

This blog series always inspires me a lot - even if it's often less up-to-date than the Saturday Coffee, where I focus on lots of new things. The other series often discovers old or less noticed treasures - a great addition!