Ciara is an Irish designer and indie dyer living in the wilds of the West of Ireland with her four children – a teenage mastermind, a mad scientist, his sidekick, the 6-year-old Queen of Connacht herself and her husband and two crazy dogs, one cat and two fish. She prefers to promote and use Irish wool and yarn wherever possible, but love any quality squishy skein! She has regular contributions to Knitty, Knotions, Twist collective, UK Knit Now magazine and I Like Knitting. She also hosts Knitting workshops with Irish Tourism and Knitting Tours. See her designs on Ravelry.
When not knitting, she is busy with her day job as a multi-grade primary school teacher in a tiny rural school and stuck in all sorts of other fiddly crafts.
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From the February 2016 issue
There is no need to be daunted by cables – they’re very easy to make! Cables are just a combination of knits and purls that are simply worked out of sequence, typically on the right-side of rows, by repositioning a number of stitches to a cable needle, holding them in front or behind your work
View ProjectFrom the June 2023 issue
Inspired by the refreshing hues of limoncello sorbet and golden sunshine, the Lemon Dipped Shawl is a perfect balance of warmth and vibrancy. This lightweight, yellow-accented wrap transitions beautifully from soft neutrals to a sun-kissed yellow, making it an eye-catching yet versatile accessory. Knit with a breathable, drapey fabric, it provides just the right amount of coverage for a cool beachside breeze or an elegant evening stroll. Whether you’re dressing up a casual outfit or layering for a special occasion, this shawl adds a touch of effortless elegance to any look.
View ProjectFrom the April 2022 issue
Colors of the Sea is a beautiful and lightweight lace shawl worked up in the color of the Atlantic Ocean. The semi-circular shawl is knit top down in varying bands of lace and textured stitches that increase outwards and end in a knit-on lace border, mimicking the ebb and flow of the sea.
View Project
This cowl/wrap/scarf uses only one ball of yarn and is inspired by seaweed found within the sea, whose colors are mirrored in the varying hues of yarn. The wrap has a simple sea foam lace construction with added beads reminiscent of pearls. The wrap is long and wide and can be worn open over a dress or, by closing the buttons, can become a cozy cowl and worn long or doubled up.
View ProjectFrom the June 2024 issue
The Luminous Lighthouse Shawl captures the essence of the coast, evoking the dramatic beauty of crashing waves against rocky shores and the comforting beam of a lighthouse guiding ships safely to port. This elegant lace shawl is knit side to side, featuring delicate faux eyelet cables that mirror the rhythmic flashes of the lighthouse beam. The soft, flowing fabric drapes beautifully, offering both warmth and a stunning visual effect. Perfect for any occasion where you want to bring a touch of nautical charm and coastal inspiration to your wardrobe, this shawl is a must-have for lovers of both lace knitting and the sea.
View ProjectFrom the December 2022 issue
The silk merino yarn featured in this project offers muted hints of gray, green and mauve to depict the icy winter landscape. Dress up this design with beaded tree shapes to complete the look.
View Project
The essence of the Beaded Beanie is the beaded trees in a multitude of colours. There are several different ways of adding beads to your knitting, one of which involves threading the beads onto the yarn in advance. For this, a beading needle really helps, but any thin needle will also work – just ensure
View Project
