This will come as no surprise

This post was inevitable. You knew it. I knew it. We all knew it. 

He's a genius. 

image credit to brooklyntweed.net

The new year started with the release of Wool People 2, the follow up to the oh-so-wonderful Wool People from Brooklyn Tweed. The first one rendered me speechless but this time I'm going to try to explain what it is that I love so wholeheartedly about these publications.

Firstly it's the concept: individual designers having a pattern that earns them money for its lifetime. That's so important. So many designers give over their creative control when entering designs into publication. It's why we can't get this as a book- the downloads have to remain individual. I for one would LOVE to buy a Brooklyn Tweed published book for reasons I will discuss in a moment but the fact that this is really focussed on supporting great talent is brilliant. 

The thing that strikes me with both series is the look and 'feel' of both volumes. As a photographer I'm struck by the colour palette throughout, complimenting and highlighting the colours selected for the yarn range and design. Structures add texture and the whole thing feels like it is working together. For example, there's a shot under a metal structure with thick grasses and contrasting texture. It made me think of all the textures that went into the designs. Yes, it's fashionable but it's not fashion that smacks you straight between the eyes like so much knitwear photography. It has context, depth, tone. I love it.

Then there's the patterns and the designers behind them. 14 projects, each as classic as the other. It reads like the who's who of hot designing right now: Veronik Avery, Gudrun Johnston, Cecily Glowik Macdonald, Ann Budd, Nancy Bush, Amy Christoffers, Carrie Bostick Hoge, Melissa LaBarre.... the list goes on. Many of these are names that have been synonymous with good knitwear for sometime. Others are newer but no less talented. It honestly is the kind of thing that excites me and makes my heart sing.

And my MOST favourite part? Oh the designs. Always the designs. 

Graham by Cecily Glowik Macdonald

Fuse by Veronik Avery

Getting warmer still

Isn't this lovely? It's another Jared Flood pattern, Wool Leaves. I've made it once before and it's a quick and satisfying knit. The lace is pretty intuitive and the overall effect is always brilliant. I've always loved Mr Flood's patterns and I've knit this twice now- both times for a special friend who is having a baby.

The wool is Cascade 128 Superwash Chunky. It's not the kind of yarn I'd probably use for a jumper as it doesn't have that 'pop' I like in more solid fabric but I really loved it for this. My friend is a wee goth chic and so a dark grey for little Samuel seemed perfect. I'm all about the neutrals or rustic when it comes to blankets. I love a splash of colour but I really am drawn to simplicity and the inviting comfort of a good, traditional looking blanket.

I've fantasised about making a blanket for me. There are two patterns I'd LOVE to make and once again, Mr Flood is the designer. First there's Umaro, which he shows off in cool white yarn that I just want to stick my face in and just KNOW I'd spill coffee on if I tried to copy the colour! The other is the Hemlock Ring Blanket and is a FREE pattern. It grew from a doily pattern but don't panic, this is not going to add frump to your home. At the centre is the doily design and then the blanket grows with a feather and fan stitch. And ofcourse, it's in stunning neutrals that just scream 'wear plaid and drink hot chocolate under me'. 

Hear that? I'm purring again.....

New Starts

I've been this flurry of knitting. I finished another pair of Toastys and cranked right on to make a matching hat. The pattern is by the lovely Jared Flood who I swear is one of the best pattern writers out there. His style is not too chatty but it's informative and you get what you need in order to best execute the pattern.

Like jogless stripes - Check those bad boys out!

It was so much simpler than any instructions I'd read before. You basically work your new round of colour as normal (catching the old yarn with the working yarn to prevent holes). When you are ready to start the second round you take your right hands needle and lift a loop from the old round and old colour below. You then knit this as if K2tog with what would have been the next stitch. The pattern is Turn a Square and it's so fast and fun. I love these intuitive patterns and once again the Malabrigo was like knitting with buttered kittens. YUM

I did finish something else but again I'm wondering into spoiler territory for friends who read this blog so as soon as they know, you'll know. The general theme has been very unselfish though hasn't it? I mean, 3 FOs and none are for me.See this moutain of new possibilities? Only one is for me: the ongoing Cedar Leaf Shawlette (Alana we love you!). I've got milestone birthdays and pregnancies coming out of my ears! I'm normally more selfish but I've been so grateful to friends and family this last year I feel I just have to give something super special and generous.

The beady eyed amongst you undoubtedly noticed this little bag. Isn't that fabric adorable? It's made by a girl from my knit group from the Lollipop Stop. Go check her out, just save me a robot tote ok? There's always room for more robots....