A Fun New Announcement + Favorite Things
Prefer to watch? Watch the video version of this post here.
Episode 49 is here, and there is a lot to share. From finished knits and sewing projects to new patterns I have my eye on, new yarns at Dandelion Fiber, and, most excitingly, a brand-new website and online classes!
Finished Objects
I had a pretty productive summer and managed to finish several projects before heading back to school.
Margaux Top
First up is the Margaux Top by Mara Knits, which I knit in Leo D Leu DK by Julie Asselin in the colorway Alcott. I originally bought the yarn at Nash fest specifically with this sweater in mind, so it was especially satisfying to finally see the two come together.
I love how it looks paired with my Pomona Pants by Anna Allen, which I made from linen I found while visiting Copenhagen.
Grapefruit Pink Lady
I also finally finished the Grapefruit Pink Lady by Thea Coleman. This one took me most of the summer because I had to rip back the neckline and rework it.
I used June Worsted from Purl Soho, a linen and cotton blend. I really enjoy knitting with plant-based fibers, and this yarn has surprisingly good stitch definition. Since it's a worsted weight, it also has enough substance to make a great sweater for Minnesota's spring and fall weather.
Ingrid Sweater
The third finished knit is the Ingrid Sweater by Petite Knit, which I'm actually teaching as a class at Dandelion Fiber this fall.
I knit mine in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in the discontinued Sweatshirt colorway. The yarn was a gift from my friend Mary, and because I was knitting at a slightly different gauge, I went down a size.
It turned out to be wonderfully boxy and cozy, the perfect throw-on sweater for chilly days, running errands, or wearing to work.
Sewing Projects
I've also been working on my sewing skills this summer. With some help from Evan at Lakes Makerie, I finished a pair of Chanterelle Pants.
One of the biggest things I learned is that my rise is too long for many of the pants patterns I've tried in the past. We modified the pattern to fit me better, including adjusting the pockets and tapering the legs.
I love how they turned out, especially the little pleat detail at the cuff. I've already made another pair in corduroy for fall, so you'll be seeing those in a future episode!
A New Pattern Highlight
One thing I want to start doing on Where We Knit is highlighting knitting patterns that I think deserve more attention.
I absolutely have my favorite designers, but there are so many talented designers whose work doesn't necessarily show up at the top of Ravelry's recommendations. I want to discover and share some of those designs.
For this episode, I picked two.
Melton by Fibre Workshop
The first is Melton Vest by Fibre Workshop. Jen is based in Norfolk in the UK and is also a yarn dyer and workshop teacher.
I'm considering making the Melton for the October Vest KAL hosted by Botanical Knitter. I love the colorwork and am already thinking about different three-color combinations I could put together.
Fungus Shawl Cardigan by Refined Knitwear
The second pattern is the Fungus Shawl Cardigan by Refined Knitwear.
I've had my eye on this one for a while, and I finally bought the pattern. What really sold me is the clever little snap that keeps the cardigan's tie from constantly coming undone.
It's exactly the kind of practical, cozy layer I know I would wear all the time!
What's on My Needles
My Rhinebeck sweater is still in progress! I'm knitting the Midge by Olga Putano Designsusing Fiber MacGyver Shaniko Sport, and I'm currently working through the body before moving on to the sleeves.
I'm also working on a very special project using yarn from a dear friend who passed away earlier this year. She left behind several unfinished projects, and I'm finishing one of her Lento sweaters.
There was a noticeable difference between the original yarn and the skein I had to use to finish the sweater, so Susie at Fiber MacGyver helped with a color match. I'm looking forward to wearing this sweater at Rhinebeck this year.
And then there are a couple of secret projects, including a preview knit for an upcoming book, so I can't show you too much just yet!
The Big Announcement: Where We Knit Has a Website!
The biggest news of this episode is that Where We Knit now has a website!
You can find it at whereweknit.com, where you'll be able to find podcast recaps, links to projects and resources, information about upcoming classes, and links to Instagram and YouTube.
I'm especially excited about the online classes. After the success of my Luffe Mitten classes, I've had so many people ask when I'll offer more online options.
The new website will make it much easier for people outside the Minneapolis area to join me for classes.
Classes will be available for purchase beginning September 12, with the first online class planned for October 4.
Upcoming classes will include:
Sk8ter Hat
Robinia Mittens
Grid Gambit
Calliope Nest Cowl
I'm excited to be able to knit together with people who aren't local to Dandelion Fiber!
New Yarn at Dandelion Fiber
There are also some fun new yarns at Dandelion Fiber that I couldn't resist sharing.
If you love a little sparkle, there are new ITO yarns with beautiful metallic effects. I can already imagine holding a strand of sparkle together with mohair to add just a subtle shimmer to a sweater.
There is also new ITO Sensai mohair, which is one of my favorite mohairs, as well as ITO Rakuda, a beautiful lightweight yarn made from 70% wool and 30% camel.
I'm particularly intrigued by the idea of combining these yarns to make something like the Fungus Shawl Cardigan.
Coming Up on Where We Knit
There are some fun things in the works for upcoming episodes.
I'm putting together a collection of vest patterns for the October Vest KAL, focusing on designs from newer or lesser-known designers that I think deserve some attention.
I'm also working on another book review. I love being able to look through knitting books and share which ones I think are worth checking out, especially for those who don't have a local shop where they can browse them in person.
And, of course, there will be plenty more knitting, sewing, yarn, and pattern talk along the way.
Thanks for joining me for Episode 49 of Where We Knit. I hope you'll check out the new website, join me for an online class if you're interested, and let me know which pink-and-red color combination I should use for my next Skater Hat!
