Today, we’re handing over the blog to the wonderful Laura Perrem, our club manager at Stolen Stitches and the designer behind Ferry Times from last year’s Celtic Knits Club! In this post, Laura takes you behind the scenes of the club and shares the inspiration behind her latest design — the Geode Set, the first pattern release of our Celtic Knits Club 2025.
When Carol invited me to design for this year’s club, I was excited. ‘Stone’ as a design theme is intriguing. It may seem unassuming, but in Ireland it has built our history. From the rock formations of our landscape to the stone walls that run like veins across the whole country.
It is with this feeling that I designed the Geode Set; single cables like stone walls intersecting and diverging. Strong. Enduring. Rhythmical.
Solas Yarn
This year, I was the lucky designer who got to work with Solas, our new yarn. It has all the qualities that I love in our favourite Irish yarns; woolen spun, a bit tweedy, with the added bonus of being a light dk weight with a little bit of cashmere and silk!
This pattern is suitable for intermediate and adventurous beginners. If you are new to cables, I would be inclined to start with the Geode Hat as you can focus completely on the cables without the other shaping of the thumb. The cables are all small single stitch cables with twisted stitches. This creates beautiful delicate cables with lots of texture.
Pattern Tips
I’m not afraid to admit that I knit a few versions of the mitts before I was happy! I played with non-twisted and twisted stitches until I found the effect I was happy with.
So, a few tips for working through these patterns; make sure to take advantage of your stitch markers- especially when working the hat. They will keep you on track as your work through the repeats!
It’s also important to keep the knit stitches twisted where directed as this will really impact the look of the finished pieces.
If you would like longer mitts, feel free to add extra length to the ribbing on the cuffs!
Geode Mitts
SIZES
Small (Medium, Large)
To Fit Hand Circumference Up To: 7.25 (8, 8.75)” / 18.5 (20.5, 22) cm
0.5” / 1.5 cm intended negative ease.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Hand Circumference:
6.75 (7.5, 8.25)”/ 17 (19, 21) cm
Length: 9”/ 23 cm
Sample size Medium modelled with 0.5” / 1.5 cm negative ease.
GAUGE
20 sts and 28 rnds = 4”/ 10 cm in stockinette stitch, blocked with larger needle
22 sts and 32 rnds = 4”/ 10 cm in Half Twisted Rib, blocked gently with larger needle
Geode Pattern meas. 3” / 7.5 cm across, blocked with larger needle
YARN
Stolen Stitches ‘Solas’ (93% Merino, 3.5% Cashmere and 3.5% Silk; 243 yds / 222 m per 3.6 oz / 100g); Colour: Smoke; 1 skein
Approx yardage: 113 (128, 147) yds/ 103 (117, 134) m
NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
US size 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 40” / 100 cm for Magic Loop or dpns
US size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, 40” / 100 cm for Magic Loop or dpns for cuff
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, as every knitter’s gauge is unique.
2 cable needles, stitch markers, waste yarn, tapestry needle.
Geode Hat
SIZES
Small (Medium, Large)
To Fit Head Circumference Up To: 21 (22, 23)” / 53 (56, 58.5) cm
1-3” / 2.5- 7.5 cm intended negative ease.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Brim Circumference: 18 (19, 20)”/ 45.5 (48.5, 51) cm
Length: 9 (9.25, 9.5)”/ 23 (23.5, 24) cm
Sample size Medium modelled with 3” / 7.5 cm negative ease.
GAUGE
20 sts and 28 rnds = 4”/ 10 cm in stockinette stitch, blocked with larger needle.
22 sts and 32 rnds = 4”/ 10 cm in Half Twisted Rib blocked gently with smaller needle.
Geode Pattern meas. 3”/ 7.5 cm across with larger needle.
YARN
Stolen Stitches ‘Solas’ (93% Merino, 3.5% Cashmere and 3.5% Silk; 243 yards/ 222 m per 3.6 oz/ 100g); Colour: Smoke; 1 skein
Approx yardage: 112 (126, 132) yds / 102 (116, 120) m
NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
US size 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 40”/ 100cm for Magic Loop or dpns
US size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, 40”/ 100cm for Magic Loop or dpns for brim
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, as every knitter’s gauge is unique.
2 cable needles, stitch markers, waste yarn.
Where to Buy
If you’d like to knit the Geode set and get all of the accompanying video workshops there is still time to join the Celtic Knits Club 2025 Digital version. These are the first two patterns and there are two more instalments to come, one medium size project in May and then a wrap and cardigan project in July.
You will get access to all patterns, workshops, private forum and launch party. Find out more about the club here or jump straight in and buy it here.
The Geode Set is a perfect first project to explore our stunning Solas yarn while learning delicate single-stitch cables. Whether you’re new to cables or love intricate textures, this hat-and-mitts duo will be a rewarding knit.
I can’t wait to see your Geode Sets—be sure to share your progress in the club forum on Knithub!
Feature Designer – Laura Perrem
Laura Perrem – Irish Knitwear Designer and Stolen Stitches Club Manager
Laura Perrem is a knitwear designer working from the south coast of Ireland.
Laura originally studied Fine Art, and has been busy working in the visual arts ever since. Her designs are simple and bold, and she loves working with fluffy yarns of all kinds. When not knitting, you’ll find her working at Stolen Stitches, in the garden, or looking for a cat.
You can follow Laura on Instagram and Ravelry. so do pop over and say hi!