I always have such a hard time getting back to work after Thanksgiving. It really feels natural to put non-holiday related stuff off until after Christmas once Thanksgiving is over but, of course, that just won’t work. Though I know I should be hanging lights and writing Christmas cards, I am happily working through this pile of WIP’s. I’m making steady progress, finishing one thing and beginning the next.
Durham Mittens
I love simple, wooly yarns better than almost anything, so Cascade Eco and Eco+ yarns in the heavy-worsted-to-aran weight have long been staple products in my stash. When the folks at Cascade suggested I design a pair of mittens using their new-ish Eco Merino DK, I jumped at the chance. The Durham Mittens made their debut last week on Ravelry and the Cascade Yarns website and it is 100% free. I’m thrilled to pieces and I hope you will be too! Pssst….watch for a matching hat coming soon!
Shifting moving twisting cables are fascinating to knit especially in this marvelous DK weight merino whose bounce and twist impart extraordinary stitch definition without sacrificing softness. For the Durham Mittens, I’ve chosen an unusual ribbed cable (it looks like two cables in one) flanked by traditional 4-stitch braids. These light and lively twists, set off against a reverse stockinette background, are used in place of ribbing at the cuffs allowing the cabled texture to travel their entire length. These are easy cables to execute but impart an air of skill and detail.
The mittens feature a stockinette palm and fully fashioned thumb. Mittens are worked from the cuff upward using classic shapes and basic shaping strategies.
Tarpon
It’s done and I love it! This classic raglan pullover features a lyrical cable down each sleeve and a wide square neck. This simple boxy shape layers beautifully and looks great with jeans, skirts and over casual linen dresses. I can’t wait for Tarpon to get through tech edits so that I can bring the pattern to you. I think I’m going to wear this so often that I better have a black one too. (I’ll get right on that!)
I can’t say enough about Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep. This is an essential blend for southern living; cool, luxury cotton is combined with a little merino for loft. It comes in a ton of colors.
Octavia
I am so excited to publish this pattern! My first wooly winter shawl, Craghill, designed for Hudson+West Co has been a huge success, so I’m anxious to follow it up with a shawl that is equally engaging to knit and is nice and warm too.
Designed specifically for the warm yet airy qualities of woolen spun yarn, this generously sized cold weather wrap integrates four fun-to-knit stitch patterns in one traditional triangle. With all stitch patterns based on the number eight, the Octavia Wrap begins with simple punchwork, transitions into eyelet diamonds and ends with an intriguing slip stitch pattern that lays over garter stripes. A band of simple ribbing forms the bottom border and is trimmed in a contrast garter edge.
This gorgeous woolen spun yarn, “Shetland”, was graciously provided by Harrisville Designs. In my view, Harrisville Shetland is a highly under rated yarn. It is so light and lovely to knit, it was like knitting a souffle. Once blocked, Shetland produces garments that are light as air, yet durable and warm. Watch for Octavia to make her debut later this month.
So much for FO’s. Here’s a teaser for you. This large scale graphic patterning has been so invigorating to knit! And just look at that green! I can’t provide details just yet but I know you’re going to love it!
Those are all the WIPs that are fit to print. This is by no means an exhaustive WIP list…I haven’t even begun to talk about car knitting. Next time!
