Paris Anyone?

I'm so excited to share my two new designs from Kollage Yarns! Introducing....

Le Petit Pont

When Erica from Kollage Yarns asked me to design a one-skein scarf project out of 200 yards of this gorgeous, silky, Creamy yarn, I'll admit, I was a bit nervous. Would that be enough yarn? It almost felt like my own version of Project Runway. Make it work!

The color and the lace reminded me of springtime in Paris, sipping on cafe au lait and enjoying a fresh macaroon. Le Petit Pont....the little bridge. This little bridge in Paris. I also knew that for me, I'd want the flexibility of a slightly larger scarf for those breezy walks along the River Seine (oh, how I wish the photo shoot budget allowed for this!).

400 yards of fingering weight Kollage Creamy yarn was the perfect amount for this larger version of Le Petit Pont. The pattern features both sizes.

My test knitter, Discoknits, did a fabulous job knitting up this version. I can't wait to cast on my own! Gaylen test knit TWO of the smaller versions and I'll share pictures of those once I get to Stitches East. Thank you, thank you Disco and Gaylen! You both are such wonderful knitters and were beyond super speedy!

Le Petit Pont features an easy to memorize 8-stitch, 8-row pattern. Every other row is a simple purl row without lace patterning. As I knit on my scarf, I fell in love with the ease of the pattern and the gorgeous results, and immediately thought of a warmer, cozier version for the winter. And, if it was a cowl or infinity scarf, then every other row would be knit, which equals an even easier design. Which is a definite win for me. I pitched this idea to Erica, and a few days later, gorgeous skeins of Kollage Yarns Solace arrived on my doorstep.

Pont Neuf

I'll admit it. I'm enamoured with the infinity scarf version of Pont Neuf. I'm already on my second one (for me to keep!)! A big thank you to Nartian who test knit this in less than three days! Seriously, where would I be without my knitting friends?! The pattern uses approximately 300-325 yards (you'll need 4 skeins of Solace, but will use less than 3 1/2 skeins) makes me think of lots of yarns I can stashbust with. Can anyone say Christmas gifts??

The cowl version uses approximately 125-150 yards (2 skeins) and knits up in a flash. You can probably get both versions out of 5 skeins. Again, holiday gifts!

For a few minutes during our photo shoot, as we sat outside Pamplemousse Patisserie et Cafe, on a misty Sunday morning when the Bay Area got its first rain, I almost felt like we were in Paris. My dear friends, Thayer, aka Ilikecake, my gorgeous model, and Tricia, my photographer who is willing to climb ledges and chairs to get just the right shot, were absolutely amazing again. If ever there is a book (hey, a girl can dream), you know who will be on the cover and who will be behind the camera. And I promise to pay them in actual money, not just macarons and quiche :) Big hugs ladies!! I so appreciate it!

Both patterns are available for immediate download at Patternfish (Le Petit Pont and Pont Neuf) and will be available this weekend at Stitches East in The Fine Needle booth #218, 220, 222. You'll find me either in their booth or the Kollage Yarns booth so be sure to stop by and say hi and to check out the new patterns in person! The patterns will also be available at your favorite LYS that carries Kollage Yarns.

With less than 2 months until Christmas, both Le Petit Pont and Pont Neuf will make quick, gorgeous gifts this holiday season! I know what I'll be knitting a few more of.

Quick reminder about the Sock-a-licious and Bellingrath Pattern giveaway going on. Enter here for a chance to win! And don't forget about my pattern sale. Receive 20% off any of my individually sold patterns by using the coupon code stitcheseast from now until Nov.1.

Happy Knitting! Au Revoir!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits