Category: Patterns

1. Free Pattern and Summer Knitalong!

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 15th Jun 2023

   Download the Free 'Bring me Sunshine' Shawl Pattern and Join the Knitalong this Summer!

   It's here! The Bring Me Sunshine shawl is now available as a free download from the website and Ravelry or by using the links below.

   

   About the Pattern

   Named after the famous Morecambe and Wise Song, Bring Me Sunshine is a simple shawl that has been designed to make the most of a pretty skein of yarn (or two!). The joy of this pattern is that it has easy-to-memorize stitches which quickly fall into smooth rhythm, and you can very easily adapt it to make a larger two skein version if you like your shawls a bit bigger.

   An asymmetric triangle pattern in shape, as you knit your shawl, parallel tracks of stockinette stitch and a simple ‘yo, k2tog’ lace stitch grow side-by-side to create ‘rays’ of colourful stitches, allowing your yarn to truly shine! The pull of the lace pattern also distorts the angle of the stitches so you end up with an almost zig-zag effect of colours which works brilliantly for colourful, variegated yarns.

   If you are new to knitting lace, this shawl would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Using just yarnover and k2tog stitches to create the lace, each section is worked between markers so you can easily keep count of your stitches. A video tutorial on how to work the ‘yo, k2tog’ stitch combination can be found here https://www.undertheolivetreeknits.com/lace-stitches.html. And there are also some handy hints and tips included in the pattern that will help you ‘read’ your stitches and stay on track!

   There is a Knitalong happening with prizes too! Read on for more details...

   Pattern Information

   Stitches Used – Sl1 wyif, knit, purl, kfb, yo, k2tog, ‘yo, k2tog’ lace stitches

   Sizes – One size

   Measurements – The finished, blocked item has a wingspan of 77.5” (196cm) and a depth of 18” (45.5cm)

   Materials

   • 437-464yd / 400-425m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Chora sock yarn, 75% merino / 25% nylon in the Arizona Sundown colourway

   • US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle

   • 8 stitch markers (extra stitch markers will be required if you make a larger shawl)

   • 1 tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

   Gauge: 22 stitches and 33 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

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   Thank you Test Knitters!

   

   The pattern has been professionally tech edited by Julia Targett and was tested by a fantastic group of test knitters too!

   Thank you Barb, Doug, Fiona, Lisa, Naomi and Nicola!

   Want to go large?

   This pattern is really simple to adapt to make a 2, or even 3 skein version if you wish! Fiona did just that with a 2 skein version which you can see here. Details are provided in the pattern.

   

    

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   Need Some Yarn Inspiration?

   This pattern will work with any skein of 4ply sock yarn at 400+ metres. There plenty to choose from on the website including the 2 colourways used for the sample shawls. Click on the photos to find out more.

   Arizona Sundown

   

   A pretty mix of Sunset reds and pinks with sandy yellows and dusky greys

   Summer Nights

   

   A vibrant mix of sunshine yellows, sky blues and pops of purple on a shimmering sparkle base

   'Choose Your Colour' Kits are available too! You can choose your favourite sock or sparkle yarn from any available in the shop and add a printed pattern, a needle and stitch markers too!

   Create a Bring Me Sunshine Shawl Kit

    

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   Join the Bring me Sunshine Knitalong this Summer!

   The KAL will run until 31st August 2023 and the pattern will be available as a free download for the duration.

   There are some fantastic prizes waiting to be won including:

   • Hand dyed yarns from Lunar Lane Yarn, Bluefern Yarns and Woolly Chic
   • A £25 voucher for Under the Olive Tree
   • Patterns from Erineen Designs
   • A hand turned yarn bowl from Arrowsmith Woodturning
   • One more prize to be announced!

   Full details of the prizes and the talented creators behind them will follow in the next newsletter.

   The Knitalong will run on Instagram, The Under the Olive Tree Knitters Facebook Group and via Email. To be in with a chance of winning make sure you post a picture of your finished shawl either on:

   Instagram - tag @olivetreejem and use #bringmesunshinekal
   Facebook - Post a photo in the Under the Olive Tree Knitters Facebook Group
   Email - send a photo of your finished shawl to [email protected]

   Each post of a finished shawl will count as an entry so if you post on all 3 platforms then you will have 3 entries in the prize draw! The draw will take place on 1st September

   Finally, here's a little video about the shawl and the Knitalong!

    

   I hope you enjoy this free pattern and I look forward to seeing your Bring me Sunshine Shawl in the KAL :)

2. New Pattern Release! Check 1-2

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 25th May 2023

   This is the Check 1-2 shawl, and it is now available to download directly from the website and Ravelry.

   

   Check 1-2 is a pattern that celebrates the superstar that you are! Remember the days of singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror and imagining being the world’s greatest pop star? Ok, maybe that was just me…but what fun that was! This shawl pattern was inspired by those young, carefree days, when anything was possible and the world was a stage waiting for you to take the spotlight.

   Like the name suggests, the pattern creates a sequence of checks which are made by alternating sections of ‘yo, k2tog’ stitches and stockinette. The design will really show off a skein of variegated yarn, creating squares of colour that fly like mini flags across the shawl.

   Even if your dreams didn’t take the path that your 7-year-old self thought they would, that doesn’t make you any less of a star. Far from it! Every day is a chance to shine and be your brilliant self in whatever you do. So grab your needles, choose your yarn and fly your flags for the world to see!

   If you are new to knitting lace, this shawl would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Using just yarnover and k2tog stitches to create the lace, each section is worked between markers so you can easily keep count of your stitches. A video tutorial on how to work the [yo, k2tog] stitch combination can be found here https://www.undertheolivetreeknits.com/lace-stitches.html

   Want to go bigger and bolder? You can easily adapt this pattern to use 2 or even 3 skeins! Instructions on how to adapt the shawl are given in the instructions.

   This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted prior to publication. A handy stitch count checklist is also provided.

   Stitches Used – Sl1 wyif, knit, purl, kfb, yo, k2tog, ‘yo, k2tog’ lace stitches

   Sizes – One size

   Measurements – The finished, blocked item has a wingspan of 73” (185cm) and a depth of 20” (51cm)

   Materials

   • 437-464yd / 400-425m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Chora sock yarn, 75% merino / 25% nylon in the Sing it Back colourway
   • US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle
   • 12 stitch markers
   • 1 tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

   Gauge: 23 stitches and 32 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

   

   Download Check 1-2 from the website

   Download Check 1-2 from Ravelry

   Check 1-2 Kits!

   

   'Choose your Yarn' Kits are available for the Check 1-2 shawl with everything you need for the project.

   The kit includes a skein of 100g skein of Chora Sock Yarn (75% Superwash Merino / 25% nylon) at 425m per 100g skein - choose from any of the colourways available on the website!

   Kits are presented in organza bags and you can add a needle and also a printed copy of the patten. They make great gifts too!

   Buy a Check 1-2 Shawl Kit

   Thank you Test Knitters!

   The pattern has been professionally tech edited by James Bartley and was tested by a fantastic group of test knitters too!

   Thank you Caroline, Debbie, Karen, Katie, Pat and Sharon.

   

   Go Large with a 2 Skein Shawl!

   As mentioned above, it's really simple to make a 2 (or even 3) skein version of this shawl, and Sharon did just that. Thank you Sharon!Test Knitter Feedback

   “Jems patterns are always do-able, and extremely wearable. The instructions are well written with an experienced knitters knowledge of thoughtful pattern layouts, both written and charted, and an unbeatable stitch count chart” – Sharon

   “As always the pattern was well written and the finished shawl beautiful. The shawl looks so much more like squares once blocked. Loved the finished shawl” – Pat

   “A one skein wonder with an easy to follow and memorise pattern allowing for full relaxation in the knit, an ideal TV project” – Caroline

   “Showcase a colourful skein of variegated yarn with this beautiful pattern!” – Karen

   Thanks for stopping by, I hope you like the new pattern!

   Until next time, happy knitting,

   Jem x