The influx of soft cotton- and linen-blend yarns into the shop over the past few weeks has piqued the interest of many of our customers, and lots of summer-weight projects have already been started.  Heck, some of our more dedicated knitters have even FINISHED them already!

But don't feel left out, crochet friends!  There are a ton of cool crochet patterns that would look great in our various new yarns.  For example, this shawl is perfect for taking the chill off on a summer night.  It would look lovely in any DK weight yarn, but especially so in Rowan Summerlite DK:

http://www.elkstudiohandcraftedcrochetdesigns.com/2014/06/23/dixie-charm-a-free-summer-crochet-shawl-pattern/

Pick a couple colors of Berocco's Modern Cotton and make this cute bag, which is perfect for carrying your projects (or your swimsuit!):

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-bag.html

How about something you can dress up a bit?  We've got that covered, too, with this tank, which would be beautiful in the sophisticated colors of Rowan Summerlite 4ply:

https://www.freepatterns.com/detail.html?code=FC00982

Here's a pattern that's a little more off-beat, and it could be worn year-round if made in the proper fiber.  I was so excited about it that I immediately started one using a vibrant chartreuse ball of On-Line Supersocke Swing Color.  (And I finished it a week later - come see it in the shop!) It would also be beautiful in something more sedate, like the wonderfully textured Shibui Pebble:

https://makemydaycreative.com/2014/07/25/multiplicity-buttoned-shawl/

Labels: 2016, bag, cotton, crochet, fingering weight, lightweight, linen, shawl, shell, silk, skirt, sport weight, summer, tank

Arika Cowl

At the studio many of us are fans of the designer Jane Richmond.  She recently had a knit along for her Arika  cowl and  I stumbled into it at the very end.  I was reviewing the projects on Ravelry after I found the pattern and most people had done it in some type of wool or alpaca.  I decided to break loose and use the yarn Norah by Stacy Charles because I wanted to be able to wear the cowl for most of the year rather than just the cold weather.  I totally fell in love with the linen and silk blend as I was working with it. I love the swing and the drape that results from the fabric you create.  It is kind of funny because some 300+ ravelers have made it to date and few have used something other than wool. Yarn substitution is often a bit of a challenge if you start to actually consider factors other than gauge.  In this case I am thrilled with the results and encourage you to venture into something not "so wooly"  as you work on projects this summer.

Labels: cowl, jane richmond. linen, knitting, silk