LION BRAND COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS
Dare I say it’s time to count down for Christmas? To start prepping those perfect knit Celtic cable scarves for your mother-in-law as a gift, or get your sparkly outfit on your needles. Yup. It’s that time! Welcome to the Lion Brand Countdown to Christmas.
I am so excited to say that Lion Brand picked not one, but TWO of my designs to be a part of their line up of fantastic designs. In this blog post I’ll delve into my two (The Turas Celtic Scarf and the Silver Bell Sweater), and give you some info, inspo, and what kinds of materials you’ll need for each one! Want to check out the rest? Head here to see them all!
CHANGING SEASONS
Do you feel it? That light crisp chill in the air? The leaves are starting to turn (well not yet for me yet, but the wind will be at it soon enough and they will be gone in an instant). Yup. The Fall chill is in the air, and it’s time to bring in the pumpkin spice lattes, corn mazes and to switch out the summer wardrobe for the fall one.
This year I have made the conscious effort to actually get the chance to wear my fall clothes. Calgary is odd. We get summer for like… 2 months of the year and then Fall lands for about 2 weeks (we never know when they will be) and then BOOM we get snowfall. It’s totally not fair. But I have a plan. I am swapping over early, and pulling out my transition pieces. One of them - which is in Lion Brands newest Count Down To Christmas launch - is called the Turaf Celtic Scarf.
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THE TURAS CELTIC SCARF
The inspo:
One: Fall. Who doesn’t want a super gorgeous, extra-long Celtic cabled scarf, that’s boho fringed to the gods? I know we can get wrapped up in circle scarves and cowls, but sometimes I wish for the simple scarf that you can wrap around your neck and that dangles down at my waist. I love this style. Pair it with ripped jeans, booties, Peacoat, leather jacket, anything = so good. Two: This is the PERFECT gift for your mom or your mother-in-law. My mom actually really inspired this piece because she’s like me when it comes to style. Classic. Strong, clean lines. Timeless. This scarf belongs in Banana republic. Three: Cables! This is the first design that I have ever knit using a saxon celtic braid. I have always wanted to give it a try. I just knew this would be the perfect wool for it too.
The name:
Turas means “journey” in Gaelic, and I found that quite fitting, as each cable is a traveler making its way from one end of the scarf to the other.
The materials:
The Turas Celtic Scarf uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease. It’s a size 4 worsted and is made with 20% wool, and 80% acrylic. Meaning it has the perfect amount of structure and warmth that you’ll need for the fall, carrying into the winter. Check out the rest of the materials you’ll need for the pattern below:
•3 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease (Natural heather) or approximately 480m/525yds of another worsted weight yarn, category 4
•Size US 10.5/6.5mm needles
•2 Stitch markers
•Cable needle
•Scissors
•Darning needle
•5mm crochet hook (suggested for tassels)
The second pattern that is in the Lion Brand Countdown to Christmas is actually a re-release of last year's Silver Bell sweater!
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BUY THE KIT ON LION BRAND
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THE SILVER BELL SWEATER
Inspo:
The Silver Bell Sweater was made for Christmas parties in mind. It’s got the perfect amount of glitz, glam, and glitter to put you in the festive mood. I made it with quite a loose gauge, so you can either pair it with a contrasting or neutral camisole underneath and be ready for the party. (Hopefully we have them this year!)
The name:
This pattern was named for the holiday season, as well as for the sleeves! These bell-like sleeves are so pretty and have the most gorgeous drape. Plus, I couldn’t let the chance of letting one of my favourite carol names not go to good use!
The materials:
This pattern uses Lion Brand Winter Nights. It’s the most gorg worsted weight, category 4 yarn and it’s so unique. It not only has a glorious amount of fluff, but it’s got a strand of “tinsel” and SEQUINS throughout the whole cake. It is SO pretty.
•3 (S), 4 (M, L, XL, 2XL), 5 (3XL) balls of Lion Brand Winter Nights (Blanc) or approximately 600 m/657 yds – 813 m/890 yds of another light worsted weight yarn, category 3/4
•Size US 11/8 mm circular needles, 32”/82 cm long
•Size US 11/8 mm circular needles, 16”/40 cm long
•Size US 8/5 mm DPNs
•1 Size US 11/8 mm circular needles, double pointed needle (for three needle bind off)
•1 BOR stitch marker
So there you go, my two designs for the Lion Brand. Which one is your favourite?