A new year brings all kinds of joy, plans and…. sifting through ALL the yarn! After taking a little time off during the holidays to rest, relax and really spend time figuring out where I want my knit design career to go, I have decided that 2016 will be the year of the SHAWLS!! I spent 2015 finding my knitting “voice”, researching, learning new techniques (aka BRIOCHE), knitting sweaters and building exciting relationships that I hope will blossom more and more this coming year. And now, I’m organizing my thoughts (and my yarn) to see how many shawls I can knit this year!
These shawls are almost equal parts personal designs and those that have been in my knitting queue for months. Some very special yarn has been set aside for design ideas (from top left, to bottom right) – Baerenwolle, Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, Manos del Uruguay, Havirland, House of A La Mode, Hedgehog Fibres…..and of course, my current design: using custom hand dyed Fern Fiber Organic Merino wool, and Republic of Wool Twist Fingering.
More about this design later this winter, when it’s released.
One of my favorite things about being a fiber artist are collaborations, working with indie yarn dyers, yarn shop owners, and other fabulous knitters and designers. I am very excited about several projects that I will be working on this year and can’t wait to share them all with you!
Besides shawl designs, I also have a few shawls that others have designed calling to me – like Alluvial Plains, designed by my dear friend, Karen MaCall. The yarn pictured above is destined for that piece of loveliness that I look forward to throwing over my shoulders. From left to right: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Fragrant, Havirland sock in Toxic Ooze, and Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Graphite. Exploration Station by the amazing and inspiring Stephen West is next, followed closely by Quicksilver, designed by shawl genius Melanie Berg. What shawls are on your MUST KNIT list for this year?
Not pictured are a few of my other favorite yarns: Quince and Co., Infinite Twist, Shepherd’s Wool, The Flying Kettle, Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney, La Bien Aimée, and O-Wool.
On top of all this, I still plan to continue learning, knitting sweaters, and playing with new yarn. Stay tuned for another post about my favorite tools for knitting with this gorgeous yarn!
