Good Morning Everyone!
Many of you have already seen the picture I posted of my latest project, Julie's Twist. When Wanda first showed me this lovely pattern, I instantly thought that the name reflected the beautiful twisted detail that goes up the front. Notice I didn't use the word assume...When all is said and done, yes, that cable enhances the open lace work that embellishes the front of the sweater. Did you happen to notice all of those DPNs?? A seemingly ridiculous amount of needle compared to the number of stitches that were dangling from them, let's add in a circular needle to make it extra interesting. What the picture represents are the shoulders of the sweater, clear as mud? I thought so, it gets better. You knit across the provisional cast on stitches, pick up and knit 12 stitches down the side for the sleeve, knit across the live stitches and then cable cast on 66 stitches for the back and repeat for the right hand side. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy, right? I'm reading the directions with my two pieces on my lap feeling like I'm going to lose at a game of pick up sticks. I started to get upset, my mind starting thinking "what other pattern could I do?" Then I heard Sandy say, "Just follow the directions." Guess what? All of my stitches are acounted for and I'm starting the short rows across the back. Julie's Twist could have easily turned into Pandora's Box, good thing it was 2:00 in the afternoon when I decided to tackle this project. It's going to be sooo pretty, I'm in love with Malabrigo's Silky Merino. Stay tuned, there's plenty of time to take the wrong turn at Albuquerque.
I can't wait for you to see all of the GORGEOUS Spring/Summer yarn from Berroco! Of course, the one I was the least excited about has turned into my absolute favorite, Zinnia. The color palette is soft and reminds me of beach glass. It's a two tone strand of yarn with flecks of color woven throughout the yarn giving it a fun texture. It's mostly cotton with a little bit of nylon to help keep it's shape. The pattern support is amazing!!! I'm in love with the Pim sweater, Carden tank, Phillipa tee, Milan poncho, OMG!!! The new colors of Remix Light don't disappoint, this yarn is still one of my favorites simply because of it's versatility. It's made of recycled fibers and knits up super soft lending itself to shawls, sweaters, and kid's garments. I love the understated tweed look that is produced from the nubbiness of the linen, the silk and cotton just make it so comfortable to wear. There is new pattern support available, although my two favorite projects are the Derecho and Juniper Top.
Lang Yarn's Linello is a beautiful combination of linen, cotton and a touch of viscose. It's a very breathable material that is perfect for hot summer days and balmy evenings. The pattern support features a lovely assortment of shawls and sweaters that showcase the rich colors that morph into long color repeats creating a subtle stripping effect. Personally I think the Villa tee from Berroco would be stunning knit up in Linello or of course you could use the suggested yarn, Medina, which I did get new colors in as well. Lastly, Cambria added a couple new colors to their extremely popular yarn that debuted last season. I still love my Rhys cardigan and wore it a lot, it's easily a transition piece that can be worn year round. I should be receiving the Summer Sesame this week along with the rest of the Lang Sock Yarn and 20 more copies of the Happily Knitting Socks books! I will let you know when the shipment comes as many of you have pre-ordered your books. I also was able to order 8 bags of Malabrigo Sock yarn to add some pop to the inventory, that's on it's way too.
Carrie finished putting together our beautiful COVID-19 afghan! Ladies, you all did such an amazing job, it really inspires me when I look at it. I cannot wait until we can present it to the Governor, hopefully the legislature will be meeting at the State House soon. Stay tuned, I would love for as many of you to join me in Montpelier, if we're allowed. Lastly, plans are under way for this year's Great Northern Yarn Haul!! I'm super excited to be participating again, it's always been an event I look forward to each year. I don't have the dates yet, but will fill you in with the details as they unfold.
We will be Zooming for Stitch and Bitch tomorrow evening from 6-7:30, let me know if you need to be added to the list. It's been more fun than I really thought possible and has helped bridge that horrible gap many have been feeling since this pandemic started. I'm really sorry that I didn't look into this earlier, my virtual group is bigger than the in person attendance lol.... Just as soon as the weather warms up, I plan on hosting Stitch and Bitch in my backyard, I even have a fire pit, we could roast marshmallows. Make it a great day and I hope to see you soon!
Katy
Well written newsletter, Katie. Linen yarn is lovely to work with. I have never been to Albuquerque. I do have relatives out there. Maybe someday, I will get to visit.