Last Fall we noticed a trend on fashion runways that we thought was super exciting, gilded knitwear! Sweaters and accessories where sections had been covered in silver or gold leaf. And while we’ve seen a few pieces in some high end department stores and online shops we thought this is something we can do for ourselves and so can you!

We started with some bulky yarns – there are only days left to Hanukkah and Christmas after all! We knit up the Lodge Pole Cowl in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky, the project was blocked before we began the next step.

Then we stopped by our local craft store and picked up sizing(the glue), pouncing sponges, and gold foil all from Martha Stewart. Be sure that you are using the right glue for your project! Just any old glue won’t do the job!

Working at a nice flat and stable work surface, dab the sizing onto the areas you’d like to highlight with the foil. We used a liberal amount of the sizing since the fiber will absorb some of it and you need enough on the surface to dry and become tacky before applying the foil. Once that was done we left it to dry according to the package instructions. The time may vary depending on how humid it is where you are so check on your glue every 10 minutes or so until it is tacky without being sticky.

Once the sizing had dried enough to be tacky we started to gently apply the gold foil. It will only stick to the glue but you may find that tiny pieces will tear off and float around your work area. You may want to keep a vacuum handy! Once the foil is applied and has covered all the glue use another one of your sponges to press it firmly into the fabric removing any excess foil and fly-away bits. This not only helps to set the foil in place, but burnishes the surface giving it some extra shine and helps to break up the foil so the shapes of the individual stitches show.

This technique should work on most smooth yarns so avoid mohair, alpaca, angora or anything with a halo. The sizing is also water soluble so this is not a washable surface, you’ll need to spot clean any projects made with this technique. This could easily work on crochet and woven fabrics as well. So go forth and gild your knits and crochet! Make something just to try out the technique or use it to spiff up an older, but well loved accessory, and show us what you’ve made!

This issue of Valley Yarns on Ravelry features Northampton Bulky. People love this yarn for finishing projects quickly and for its great stitch definition and softness. Now is also a great time to stock up on this yarn since it is this weekend’s Deal of the Day yarn. Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky is normally $5.99/skein, but will be on sale through 3/4/12 for $4.19/skein. Use Promo Code FBNOHOBUL3 in your shopping cart to get the deal price.

And now for a little inspiration, check out these great Northampton Bulky projects posted on Ravelry recently.

 Nor’easter Mittens & Hat by Katy Wight
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

Denise or Denephew? cardigan by Ned Renfield
(pattern available for free on Ravelry)

owls pullover by Kate Davies knit by halfbrits
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

First Encounter hat by Elisabeth F. Parker
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

Issara cardigan by Anne Kuo Lukito knit by Msknittingsue
(pattern available for purchase on Crafty Diversions)

Duffers, 19 Row Felted Slippers by Mindie Tallack knit by moxymomma
(pattern available for purchase on Ravelry)

What do you like to make with Northampton Bulky?

Hi Everyone,

Our last Show and Tell of the Year is 437 Loire Cardigan. Made from the bottom up with seamlessly integrated set-in sleeves, this flattering and lacy little cardigan is full of thoughtful touches.

This cardigan is knit in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky, so it is a super quick project! Northampton Bulky is a soft 100% wool that comes in a wonderful selection of colors.

We tried on the 36.”

Kirsten
Height: 5’3″
Bust: 37″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 42″

“Boom! Super flattering. Might even be a little TOO flattering. I’d consider making a size larger, but I’d probably end up making just this size instead.”

Grace
Height: 5’0″
Bust: 38″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 38″

“The detailing on the front of this sweater is one of my favorites. It’s subtle and compliments the design of the sweater perfectly. I would need to make the next size up but I love this sweater.”

Dena
Height: 5’4¾”
Bust: 35½”
Waist: 29½”
Hips: 40″

“I really like the fitted shape of this cardigan, and the sleeve length hitting me right below my elbows. I would change the placement of the buttons so that the top button is hitting at the widest part of my chest so that there wouldn’t be the gaping of the button band there.”

Mary
Height: 5’4″
Bust: 39½
Waist: 32″
Hips: 43″

“I’m usually not a fan of bulky sweaters, but this one is quite nice. I might knit it at a bit of a looser gauge to give a little more room because I don’t think the next size up would fit as well. I’m a fan of 3/4 sleeves. When I took Amy Herzog’s Fit to Flatter class, one of the suggestions was 3/4 sleeves that hit at your narrowest point because your eye will automatically go there.”

Tina
Height: 5’2″
Bust: 40″
Waist: 33½”
Hips: 43″

“Knitting the next size up in this garment would make it great for me! I like the V-neck, the length of the sleeves and the big buttons are fun. I also like the contrast between the bulky yarn and the lace panels.”

Liz
Height: 5’7 ½”
Bust: 36¾”
Waist: 34¾”
Hips: 38½”

“I’m a big fan of this sweater. The snug fit and shortened sleeves accentuate my waistline and the cropped style is really flattering to my body. I might make one size larger.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed the Show and Tell. We’ll have another one when our Spring catalog and new collection of Valley Yarns patterns comes out.

Mary