. . . designs from Schoolhouse Press . . .

Latvian Mittens Kit

The Fringed Sun Latvian Mittens are pictured in the book, Latvian Mittens by Lizbeth Upitis, an essential resource on Latvian knitting with 44 mitten designs. Instructions for the Fringed Sun Mittens come with the kit and may also be found in the Spring/Summer 08 issue of Vogue Knitting with Meg Swansen's article, "Weddings and Knitting Tie a Knot". Additionally, we'll be starting a Knit Along featuring this mitten on May 2nd and full instructions will be posted there as well.

Knit in beautiful Finnish Satakieli wool, $53.75 (one pair of mittens with leftover wool for a hat); or two pairs of mittens $82.75. The mitten photo at left is thumb-side-facing, but the clever design hides the thumb by working it in matching pattern to the background.

Add the Latvian Mittens, with over 44 mitten designs, (offered as an option in drop down box at left) w/the kit for a 10% discount.

Shawl Collared Vest

Meg's shawl collared vest combines three elements into one gorgeous garment: the refined shawl collar, v-neck cardigan and vest style. The kit is knit in the natural 3-ply Sheepswool (left), or, try your own version of colors (right, beautifully created by our knitting camper Kimetha Young), shaded in the Unspun Icelandic. Instructions with kit or available in Handknitting with Meg Swansen

Instructions for Unspun Shading

Coming in 2008: The Shawl Collared Vest DVD with Meg Swansen

Double-V Vest

We call this design a Double-V Vest because there is also a V in the back; it is filled in and only exists to allow the front and back cables to meet at the shoulder tops. Here you may rise to the challenge of weaving a twisted-stitch cable to itself -- or not! The prototype was knitted in the new Wool/Alpaca blend (lovely) and, even though it is only half wool, I worked crocheted steeks at armholes and center-front. You may prefer to machine-stitch. 4 colors offered at left, or choose another from our line of Ultra Alpaca; you'll need 5 skeins for a 43" chest circumference. $47.50

Ribwarmer

The Ribwarmer Design goes back to 1956 when Elizabeth designed it for McCall's Needlework. In recent years, the pattern has been adapted in a number of ways; kit instructions give you a variety of choices.

4 colors offered in the Unspun at left, or choose other colors of Unspun Icelandic ; or any other type of wool you choose. You'll need 5 wheels of Unspun for a size L ribwarmer, length 23". $42.25

The Ribwarmer DVD is available.

Spiral Yoke Kit

This circular seamless pullover, based on Elizabeth Zimmermann's Percentage System (EPS), is elegant in appearance and a pleasure to knit. You may choose either a Travelling Stitch motif one-color adult version (on Meg), or a two-color yoke child's style (blue/cream). Instructions with kit, or in Handknitting with Meg Swansen

The Spiral Yoke DVD will show you garment construction, as well as two kinds of cast on, phoney seams, hems, short rows & wrapping, knitting back backwards, mirror-image increases, travelling stitch, weaving, and sewn casting off. 60 minutes. $20.00

In Vogue:
Wrap Yourself in Lace

Meg's Lace Shawl designed for the Fall 2005 issue of VOGUEknitting INTERNATIONAL.
(photo courtesy of VOGUEknitting INTERNATIONAL)

The shawl was showcased on tour in shops throughout the United States in Fall 2005 and now appears in the book Vogue Knitting SHAWLS on the go!

Meg says: "For knitters relatively new to lace, this design offers the excitement of double yarn overs and, for the sideways borders, a lovely looped selvage made by working a yarn over at the beginning of every other row."

And, "Working with traditional laceweight wool imported from Iceland provides a gratifying connection to the centuries of lace knitters who have preceded us."

Knit in lilac and medium gray Icelandic Laceweight (lilac is backordered until January)

WOOL ONLY $46.40(Instructions NOT included)

or

KIT $59.35(Wool,plus the book Vogue Knitting SHAWLS on the go! in which Meg's pattern appears.)

Baby Surprise Kit: Wool & Instructions

Add Buttons to your Kit

Elizabeth's Classic Baby Surprise Jacket

Mysterious and fascinating to knit, this beautifully fitting baby jacket has been at the top of knitters' lists since 1968. One-piece garter-stitch construction. Choose from our color options for Shetland Jumperweight or put 4 balls (2 of one color, two of another) Shetland Jumperweight color into your basket. (Version shown uses 3 skeins of the Ultra Alpaca)

Choose from our button choices or select 5 of a smaller button from our button page. Instructions included, if purchasing wool only, instructions can be found in Knitting Workshop

$24.60 without buttons.

Pi Shawl

Scores of knitters have created this shawl as a "first-lace" project and though, at first glance, this might seem a bold beginning for new lace knitters, it does make sense. Once a knitter is comfortably on a circular needle, increases will occur only every few inches with rounds and rounds of plain knitting (if you wish) in between, or a rather simple lace pattern. So named PI, because this shawl is based on the mathematical principal, EZ says "the geometry of the circle hinging on the mysterious relationship of the circumference of a circle to its radius. A circle will double its circumference in infinitely themselves-doubling distances, or, in knitters' terms, the distance bettween the increase-rounds, in which you double the number of stitches, goes 3, 6, 12, 24 and so on." Our default for wool and colors is Shetland Laceweight in Cream $88, or Shetland Jumperweight in Cream $73.20

Dubbelmössa

An all-over patterned, traditional, circular Swedish cap that tucks into itself and folds up to become 4 thicknesses over your ears and forehead.You choose the gauge: 6 sts to 1" for 24" circumference or 6-1/2 sts to 1" for 22" around. This design is an excellent way to practice your two color knitting; think of it as a useful sampler. And - because it is hermetically sealed at both ends, you may use charts that require you to carry the second color long distances. In Unspun Icelandic or Shetland Jumper-weight, choose from our color combinations, or order 4 of the main color Shetland and 3 of a coordinating color. Or, one wheel of each unspun color. Instructions with kit, or in Handknitting with Meg Swansen

Catnip Mouse (Out of Stock till catnip season returns!)

Field tested, kitty approved. A ball of mouse-colored brown Shetland plus enough Mikey's Killer Catnip to stuff several mice if you augment it with other stuffing. Testimonials on file from cats across the country; lots of interesting knitting techniques, too. $10.00