Newsletter 353
Originally Published June 15, 2015
Gosh, it's hot! There's nothing like a lightweight summer knitting pattern. Vasa is an oversized, drapey tee knit flat in two pieces and then seamed at the sides and shoulders. The simple construction makes it suitable for knitters of all levels, and yields a versatile garment that’s easy to wear for any occasion. We knit our sample in Shibui Linen, a clean, crisp linen fiber that is spun into a unique chain ply structure. The quintessential summer yarn, Linen knits up into light, airy garments that become softer with every wear.
Brickless, is an asymmetrical, long triangle formed by rows that get longer and longer as you go. Worked in a worsted weight yarn, this one will fly off your needles! We used Interlacements Irish Linen, a lightweight cotton and flax yarn that softens with each washing and wears wonderfully...the perfect warm weather ingredient. Made here in the good ol' USA! There is enough yardage on one skein to make an extra repeat of all three sections, if you desire. Brickless is a wonderful size and in this yarn has amazing drape.
On a recent buying trip, we were thrilled to happen upon the Scojo Optical booth! For a barely-there look, this reader from Scojo sure packs a stylish punch. The lightweight rimless design highlights clean lines and sophistication with its contrasting temples and bridge, while the ear pieces are made of a flexible bendable plastic, so you have comfort, durability and a custom fit, every time. While we say these readers are lightweight, featherweight actually may be a better description, because they're so light you'll probably forget you're wearing them!
It feels like it has been awhile since we've seen a knitting reference book that took our breath away...and then we laid eyes upon this one. Every knitter, whether a beginner or an expert, wants easy projects for travel, gifts or those times when following a complex pattern is impractical. Cecelia Campochiaro, author of Sequence Knitting introduces a radical and simple approach for creating amazing fabrics by working a sequence of stitches over and over again. Beginning with 1-row patterns, the book delves into the possibilities of this technique, expanding into methods for creating complex designs that can be worked back and forth, in the round or in shapes like triangles. The book includes stitch dictionaries with over 190 fabrics, many of which are new and reversible, as well as over 40 patterns for simple and elegant accessories.
Lavishly illustrated and beautifully presented, this book has us reaching for yarn and needles to test the formula for ourselves or to cast on one of the many intriguing projects.
A Note from Christina, Organizer of Threads of Kindness: