This week’s lineup:
Alkali Mittens: These are a more subtle version of a colorful mitten/flip-top mitten I did a couple of years ago. My marketing person has always shuddered at the childish version done in bright colors because it really didn’t fit in with my more sophisticated designs, so I promised her I’d do a more adult pair. These are named for a metal found in Wyoming. We haven’t had time to do a real photo of these, but I kept getting requests for them so the pattern had to be released even though it wasn’t completely final. Look for a better photo. Today in SF you could happily wear these. The fog is blowing and whether or not it is really cold, it feels it.
Chinchero Hat: I love this hat. I read an article about these hats and the techniques used to make them in a journal from the Textile Museum. I don’t think they even do the journals anymore, but I was really fascinated by the techniques. The instructions were very detailed, as they should be for an educational journal and because the author was seeking to keep this entire knitting tradition from being lost, but it seemed to me that no one would ever make them. So I picked up some reasonably-sized yarn and figured out how to do the cast on and scallops. I didn’t want to do the stranded knitting so I substituted slip stitches. I still love this pattern and am tempted to make it every time I look at it. I knit the samples while vacationing in Buenes Aires (I know this has nothing to do with anything, I just remember sitting in the living room of the apartment we rented and working on them).
Rialto: This sample is done in Malabrigo Lace. This is true lace because there is patterning every row. It isn’t that difficult, just requires attention. The stitch pattern is called Ogee, which research revealed is a decorative type of arch. I looked for something using it, and came on the Rialto. I love this wrap which is both a cowl and a shawl. It isn’t a true moebius, but you can put a twist in it before sewing it up if you like. There is a scarf in the pattern for those who want just a taste.
Outlaw Cardigan: Part of a collection of things done for Mountain Meadow Wool, this in Cody. It is strictly knit/purls, so is really quite manageable to knit. There are stitch charts for all the patterns used, as well as detailed shaping instructions. The Links pattern could be spurs or interlocking fences, although I think I was thinking of the zig-zag pattern used in Basque costumes. The back features a star pattern that is fun to see unfold. I like to put details in more than one location on garments so there is always something interesting to admire. I am easily bored working stockinette, so having a little something more keeps me focused.
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