Tolt

I can't remember when I first heard that Tolt Yarn and Wool was coming, but it seems like it was a whisper that's just gotten louder and clearer until finally yesterday the shop opened to the expected very warm welcome.  

The shop is a knitter's dream, and I'm thrilled to get to be a part of it.  Last summer Anna, the genius behind the shop, asked me to contribute a set of patterns inspired by the history and natural beauty of the area around Carnation.

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

We wanted the designs to be particularly northwest-y, so Anna suggested I use Imperial Yarns Columbia and Spincycle Yarns 100% BFL Worsted.  I love the combination of the rustic, tweedy Columbia with the handspun, saturated Spincycle BFL.  

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

Since the designs are the first (of hopefully many!) Tolt shop patterns, I wanted them to be approachable for a variety of knitters.  The color work is straight-forward, and several of my testers who had never tried stranded color work before appreciated the simplicity of the color patterns to help them learn how.  (Check out this great recent blog entry by Dianna Walla  on color dominance for more thoughts on stranded color work.)

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

The patterns are both designed to work equally well for men and women, and the hat can be worn in a variety of ways - fold the brim up for a beanie look, or leave it long to get some slouch.

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

Not only is the triangles motif great as a basic color work pattern, but it's actually an interpretation of a couple of water symbols - one a W-like figure, and the other a simple triangle.  (Check out the Pinterest board Anna and I worked on for more of our inspiration.)  Since the Tolt River has always been a vital part of life for the people who have lived in this part of Washington, it was natural for me to incorporate something that suggested waves and water in patterns called Tolt.  The clean geometry of the motifs is also a nod to the shapes that were traditionally woven into blankets in this region.

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

The patterns are sold as a set and I strongly suggest heading down to Carnation so you can pick them up along with the yarn.  Anna has two color combinations available - the "Devilish Grin" and "Desert Landscape" version shown in the photos, or a "Greed" (a brilliant gold) and "Charcoal" set.   

If you can't make it to Carnation, you can also pick the patterns up on Ravelry.  Just purchase either one to get both patterns.  If you're curious how they knit up in other colors, check out the projects on Ravelry.  (Thanks so much to my wonderful pattern testers!)

Photo © Anna Dianich 2013

Pattern Info

The Tolt Hat and Mitts are sold as a pair. You’ll get both patterns when you buy either one for $8.

The patterns are available in digital form via my website and Ravelry, as well as in print in the brick-and-mortar shop, Tolt Yarn and Wool in Carnation, Washington, along with the yarn to knit them.

TOLT HAT
Finished Measurements
Adult Sizes S (M, L); shown in size M 
Brim Circumference: 18 (20, 22) in / 46 (51, 56) cm

Yarn 
Main Color 
Approximately 100 (110, 120) yd / 82 (92, 100) m worsted weight yarn

Shown in Imperial Yarn Columbia (100% Wool, 220 yd / 201 m per 113g skein) Color: #119 Desert Landscape; 1 skein

Contrast Color 
Approximately 50 (55, 60) yd / 45 (50, 55) m worsted weight yarn

Shown in Spincycle Yarns BFL Worsted (100% Wool, 120 yd / 110 m) Color: Devilish Grin; 1 skein

Gauge
18 sts / 26 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in plain Stockinette stitch with Size B 
20 sts / 26 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in color work stitch pattern with Size B needles 
16 sts / 24 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stretched 2 x 2 Rib pattern using Size A needles

Needles and Notions 
Needle sizes are recommendations only; always use needle size necessary to achieve given gauge.

Needle A 
US #6 / 4.00 mm 16 in / 40 cm circular needle

Needle B 
US #8 / 5 mm 16 in / 40 cm circular needle

Needle C 
US #8 / 5 mm set double pointed needles, 32 in / 80 cm circular needle for magic loop method, or 2 circular needles; use preferred small- circumference method.

Stitch markers 
tapestry needle

Skills 

working in the round, ribbing, stranded color work, decreasing including ssk, K2tog, and centered double decrease

TOLT MITTS
Finished Measurements 
Adult Sizes XS (S, M, L); shown in size S 
Hand Circumference: 6.5 (7.25, 8, 9.5) in / 16.5 (18.5, 20.5, 24) cm

Yarn 
Main Color 
Approximately 110 (120, 135, 160) yd / 100 (110, 120, 145) m worsted weight yarn

Shown in Imperial Yarn Columbia (100% Wool, 220 yd / 201 m per 113g skein). Color: #119 Desert Landscape; 1 skein.

Contrast Color 
Approximately 45 (50, 55, 65) yd / 40 (45, 50, 60)m worsted weight yarn

Shown in Spincycle Yarns BFL Worsted (100% Wool, 120 yd / 110 m). Color: Devilish Grin; 1 skein.

Gauge 
18 sts / 26 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in plain Stockinette stitch with Size B 
20 sts / 26 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in color work stitch pattern with Size B needles 
16 sts / 24 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stretched 2 x 2 Rib pattern using Size A needles

Needles and Notions 
Needle sizes are recommendations only; always use needle size necessary to achieve given gauge.

Needle A 
US #6 / 4.00 mm set double pointed needles, 32 in / 80 cm circular needle for magic loop method, or 2 circular needles; use preferred small- circumference method.

Needle B 
US #8 / 5 mm set double pointed needles, 32 in / 80 cm circular needle for magic loop method, or 2 circular needles; use preferred small- circumference method.

Waste yarn 
place markers 
tapestry needle

Skills 

working in the round, ribbing, stranded color work, shaping using increases and decreases