InstaMitten ~ single printed pattern** 

Warm your hands in an instant, with the fabulous InstaMitten! Made with a single skein of chunky yarn, these easy-peasy mittens make wonderful holiday gifts and stash-busting projects.

And, as the name suggests, they are shockingly quick to knit. How quick, you ask? Well. Why not try it, and let us know how long it takes you. Wooosh!
Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
1 skein 
shown in Riding Hood

Gauge
Small Mitten: 15 sts x 17 rounds = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”)
Large Mitten: 13 st x 15 rounds = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”)

Sizing
to fit hand with the following measurements:
Small: 16cm (6.5”) from base of wrist to tip of middle finger 16cm (6.5”) in circumference, measured at widest point
Large: 18cm (7.25”) from base of wrist to tip of middle finger 18cm (7.25”) in circumference, measured at widest point

Needles
circular needle with long cable, or a set of 4 double-pointed needles
Small: 6.5mm in diameter (US 10 1/2) - or as needed to meet gauge
Large: 8mm in diameter (US 11) - or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; scrap yarn; measuring tape 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Facing North A place-specific collection of simple patterns for Stockholm yarn.
Written & designed by Ailbiona McLochlainn (LB Handknits) with Stockholm, Facing North features four unique garment patterns that will keep you cozy in the starkest of winter climates.  Also included are three charming accessory projects, each calling for only a single skein of yarn to complete.  All designs are seamless, quick to knit, suitable for advanced beginners, and engaging enough to appeal to experienced knitters.  Presented in a beautifully illustrated book, the collection includes schematics, charts, and detailed written instructions for each pattern, as well as narratives about the places and events that inspired the designs.

To purchase yarn for each design, please use the yarn listing here.

Facing North is available in both printed and eBook formats.  For eBook format, please see LB Handknits eBook listing here.  

About the each pattern

Kalinka ~
a high-neck pullover with contrasting trim, named after the Siberian Viburnum plant - a berry so hardy that it thrives in winter.
Yarn Quantities Required: 5 (6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins Colour A; 1 skein Colour B
Garment Chest Circumference: 86cm [34.5”] (91cm [36.5”], 95cm [38”], 101cm [40.5”], 109cm [43.5”], 120cm [48”], 129cm [51.5”])

Nordsee Jacke a fitted jacket with rounded edgings and clasp closures, inspired by the outer garments of Northern European folk attire Yarn Quantities Required:  5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins Garment Chest Circumference: 80cm [32”] (85cm [34”], 91cm [36.5”], 97cm [38.75”], 104cm [41.5”], 112cm [44.75”], 119cm [47.5”])

Fisherman's Muse an asymmetrical tunic with hints of Old Shale lacework, inspired by maritime lore and the fishing villages of Scotland Yarn Quantities Required: 6 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins Garment Chest Circumference: 83cm [33”] (89cm [35.5”], 95cm [38”], 102cm [40.75”], 111cm [44.5”], 120cm [48”], 129cm [51.5”])

Málainn a cropped, deep-cowlneck sweater with dramatic wavelike lacework, named after Ireland’s northernmost landmass Yarn Quantities Required: 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins Garment Chest Circumference: 85cm [34”] (91cm [36.5”], 97cm [38.75”], 103cm [41”], 112cm [44.75”], 122cm [48.75”], 128cm [51.25”])

Sleepy Stars a cozy beanie, offering two variations on a celestial motif   Yarn Quantities Required: 1 skein

Winter Fruit a lacy, anatomically shaped cowl, inspired by a crystal bowl of citrus on a frosted windowsill Yarn Quantities Required: 1 skein

InstaMitten+ the quickest mittens you shall ever have occasion to knit! Yarn Quantities Required: 1 skein

 

Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm is a chunky, 100% wool yarn, with a meterage of 100

m (110y)

per 100g (3.5oz). A singles yarn, Stockholm is exceptionally soft and airy, r

esulting in garments

and accessories which feel light on the body, drape beautifully, and regulate heat except

ionally

well. Naturally dyed in Co. Clare, Ireland, Stockholm is available in a stunn

ing rainbow of tonal

colourways compatible with all designs featured in the collection 'Facing North

'

Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm is a chunky, 100% wool yarn, with a meterage of 100

m (110y)

per 100g (3.5oz). A singles yarn, Stockholm is exceptionally soft and airy, r

esulting in garments

and accessories which feel light on the body, drape beautifully, and regulate heat except

ionally

well. Naturally dyed in Co. Clare, Ireland, Stockholm is available in a stunn

ing rainbow of tonal

colourways compatible with all designs featured in the collection 'Facing North

'

Sleepy Stars ~ single printed pattern** 

Oh those long winter nights! Even the stars grow sleepy. Watch them against the plush velvet sky, drowsily winking.

A perfect project for the cold months, Sleepy Stars is a simple chunky beanie with an attractive texture which suits both solid and variegated yarns. Knit it up in an afternoon and spend the evening star gazing!  Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
1 skein 
shown in Ivory

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette 

Sizing: 
measures 50cm [20.75”) in circumference x 36cm (14.5”) in length 

Needles
Needle A: circular needle, 8mm (US Size 11) in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge
Needle B: circular needle, 6mm (US Size 10) in diameter, or 1mm smaller than Size A

Notions
tapestry needle; measuring tape 

Sizing: S (M, L)
to fit 52cm [20.75”] (56cm [22.5”], 70cm [28”]) head circumference

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Petals Scatter ~ single printed pattern** 

Along the snow-dusted path, a trail of petals lays scattered.  And you remember that day, when you clutched the bouquet to your chest and ran home - face frozen, toes numb, heart ablaze... 

This deep-winter cowl combines texture and colourwork for  a beautifully tactile effect.  Easy to knit and blissfully cozy to wear in the coldest months, this is also an excellent project for left-over scrap yarn.  Work all the ‘petals’ in a single colourway, or choose a different colour for every round.  High-contrast and low-contrast colour combinations will look equally striking. 

Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
main colour: 1 skein 
complimentary colour: approx. 20g  (.70oz)
shown in Ivory and Riding Hood

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette 

Sizing: 
measures 50cm [20.75”) in circumference x 36cm (14.5”) in length 

Needles
circular needle, 8mm (US Size 11) in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; measuring tape 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Nordsee Jacke ~ single printed pattern** 

A German folktale and the pictures of my friend's original childhood cardigan from the Island of Wangeroode, inspired the Nordsee Jacke. Pronounced nordsey yah-keh and meaning 'North Sea Jacket’ in German, this fitted cardigan with rounded edgings is a minimalist take on Northern European folk attire with Eastern influences. A unique garment for everyday wear, Nordsee Jacke is a seamless, quick knit, suitable for advanced beginners.
Designed by Ailbíona  McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm suitable for chunky yarns (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7)  skeins 

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette 

Needles
Circular needle, 8mm (US 11) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; stitch markers; scrap yarn
4 sets of corded hook-and-eye closures or clasps, measuring 5cm (2”) closed;  sewing thread and needle

Sizing  &  Fit
refer to garment measurements and select size with desired amount of ease

Special  Techniques
provisional cast-on 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Malainn ~ single printed pattern** 

Malainn is a place to be slowly arrived at.  So that one’s amazement might grow, then abate, after every bend, in preparation for what is around the next.

A cropped, front-back reversible pullover with dramatic cowl neck, Málainn draws its inspiration from the zig-zag lanes which lead to Malin Head. Worked from the top down in one piece with saddle shoulder construction, this design features vertical panels of undulating lacework that extend from the tip of the neckline to the edges of the sleeves.
Designed by Ailbíona  McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm suitable for chunky yarns (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8)  skeins 

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette  

Needles
circular needle, 8mm (US 11) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; stitch markers; scrap yarn 

Sizing  &  Fit
refer to garment measurements and select size with desired amount of ease

Special  Techniques 
lace, provisional cast-on

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Kalinka ~ single printed pattern** 

Inspired by berries and the tale of three sisters, Kalinka is a cozy deep-winter pullover with contrast trim. Worked seamlessly from the top down with simple raglan construction, the design is easy and quick to complete - so that whether an experienced or a novice sweater knitter, one might make it straight away, to wear all through the cold season. 
Written & designed by Ailbíona  McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm suitable for chunky yarns (100m [109y]  /  100g [3.5oz])
5 (6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8)  skeins colour  A 
1 skein colour  B

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette 

Needles
Circular needle, 8mm (US 11) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; stitch markers; scrap yarn 

Sizing  &  Fit
refer to garment measurements and select size with desired amount of ease

Special  Techniques
provisional cast-on, i-cord 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Frost Kiss ~ single printed pattern** 

Remember the first frost? We walked to the shore and the ground sparkled in the sunlight, like a shower of kisses from friends coming in from the cold.

This fresh take on the basic ribbed beanie features an engaging tuck-stitch motif, which adds warmth, breathability, and visual interest, suiting both solid and variegated yarns. Knit it up over a hot porridge breakfast to wear on your next winter’s walk.
Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm (100m [109y]  / 100g [3.5oz])
1 skein

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette 

Sizing: S (M, L)
to fit 52cm [20.75”] (56cm [22.5”], 70cm [28”]) head circumference

Needles
Needle A: circular needle, 8mm (US Size 11) in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge
Needle B: circular needle, 6mm (US Size 10) in diameter, or 1mm smaller than Size A

Notions
tapestry needle; measuring tape 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

Fisherman's Muse ~ single printed pattern** 

On a visit to the Isle of Arran in Scotland some years ago, I (LB Handkntis) met a woman who told me a story.  Whether this story is true, of course I cannot say. But that image - of the girl using the hem of her frock as a fishing net - has played on my imagination ever since. Subtly nautical in construction and edged with the classically Scottish Old Shale lace motif, Fisherman’s Muse is a tunic with an asymmetrical hem - a detail playing homage to the tug of that magical haul.
Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm suitable for chunky yarns (100m  [109y]  /  100g  [3.5oz])
7 (7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9)  skeins 

Gauge
13 sts x 17 rounds  = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”) in stockinette  

Needles
circular needle, 8mm (US 11) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge

Notions
tapestry needle; stitch markers; scrap yarn 

Sizing  &  Fit
refer to garment measurements and select size with desired amount of ease

Special  Techniques 
short rows, lace, provisional cast-on, i-cord 

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn