Hats, Yashi & a Cool New Cast On

Sorry for not posting sooner. Last week was an absolute swatch-knitting blow out for spring and summer design proposals and I had not one single spare moment. I feel like missed an entire week of life! I’m sort of back to normal now (define normal) and I’ve got a few cool new things in the works.

First of all, I discovered a couple of amazing things. Thing one:  When I was visiting with Miss Bette a couple weeks ago, I spotted a little knitted swatch in the shop that was worked with something that looked like raffia. It had a smooth, stiff texture that I thought would be perfect for a summer “straw” hat. Bette filled me in on the yarn. It’s called Yashi, the Japanese word for palm tree, which is what it’s made from. I’m telling you, this stuff is incredible! It is smooth and crisp but really rather soft in the hand. It shows no ill effects after being frogged. It doesn’t mind getting wet and you can actually wipe it clean. Perfect for hats and hand bags, right?

Right! Which leads me to Thing two: Emily Ocker’s Circular Cast On. Life changing. Really. Liat Gatt has made a great video tutorial for this technique. It is so darn easy and looks just fantastic. It begins with something called a “magic ring”, which is simply a little ring of yarn. Stitches are then crocheted into the ring, then transferred to knitting needles. When you pull the end of the yarn (the end that’s part of the ring), the ring zips closed leaving a nice, even circle of knitted stitches, Huzzah! I used this miraculous cast on to start my new “straw” hat, as yet unnamed, that will be making its debut next month.

Another great thing about Yashi is that it comes in so many great colors, even a couple of variegated color ways. I’m glad I had the foresight to order enough for my new tote bag also debuting next month. This week I also received the leather handbag straps I ordered months ago. These are the “coffee” color; I also got two pair in tan and one pair in black. I’m so excited to finish the hat and start the bag that I think I ought to knit all day!

I’ll see you Friday for the release of a brand new summer tank called Marion! I think you’re going to love it!