Studio Knits: The Angel

Yesterday I finished typing “The Angel”, a new pattern and new concept for how to knit a sweater.  Suzy has been kind enough to test knit and Frog Tree has accepted the pattern.  There is a second version in process with Elena test knitting that one.  Chris has also inspired yet a third version.  Basically, the concept of this sweater allows you to knit any shape sweater with PROPER ARMHOLES and with proper fit through the body.  I am nervous and hopeful about how this sweater will be received at yarn market, TNNA.

I am test knitting two sample of a vest by Lisa Ellis, called: Royal Cables in another yarn by Frog Tree, called: Meriboo.  This is a machine washable yarn that can function as either a DK weight yarn or (because of its wonderful loft) a light weight worsted yarn.  It is merino wool and bamboo and wonderful all over.  This is a fun pattern, and yes, I would tweak it if I were knitting it for myself — why not avoid sewing whenever possible?  However, the pattern is clear and well-written and without errors – so it gets a five needles UP review from me.

I will be open this Saturday from 10:15 to 2 pm and closed Sunday and Monday to spend some time with my family.  I look forward to seeing you Saturday, remember that is the last day for this week’s EWETOPIA special.  HAVE A relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

hugs and sunshine, Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn

 

HEARTEN — a hooded stole for StitchRed and Frog Tree Yarns

I just finished knitting a sample for Frog Tree Yarns of this stole I designed after our trip to the Statue of Liberty a year ago.  The hood is drapey so my hair is not messed up and the stole can be worn under or over a coat.  It is also a wonderful transition garment from one season to the next.  The pattern has two sizes of hoods, the smaller size having a larger stole.  It is made with ten balls of Frog Tree Alpaca Sport — and it would be easy to make the stole larger  and longer with five more balls of yarn.  The edge of the hood is a stitch I unvented and the pattern itself is an easy six-row repeat ( all wrong side rows are knit the knits and purl the purls ).  The bobbles are there if you want them or if you are anti-bobble then they can be omitted.  For people who are fearful of lacework, the lace panels can become stockinette instead, leaving you with the beautiful rope cables which form a heart motif in the way they are paired.  The pattern and yarn is available through Summit Yarn as well as your own LYS.  Jimmy Bean’s Wool will also be carrying this as a kit for anyone interested.  It took me ten days (one ball a day) and it is a pattern I can hold in my head.  This was the second time I knit this, and this time I followed the directions as written.  I am proud to say the pattern is error free and easy to follow — always a relief.  Here are some photos:

 

New Yarns are On The Way!

Just wanted you all to know there are several yarns on their way to us.  Farmhouse Yarns shipped us three colors of Bonnie Bamboo, a silky yarn with over 200 yards per skein.  This has been hand-dyed and two skeins would be plenty for a stunning Whipped shawlette/scarf/sharf (you decide what to call it).  I especially like the hand and the weight of this fiber.  One skein will retail for $20.  This would make a lovely mother’s day gift.  If you like lace knitting…thanks to Lisa I have a new pattern (in my head) that is easy with a new lace edge that knitted itself into being last night  while I was swatching.  More on this soon.  If you are interested in test-knitting please let me know.

The Summit Sock Club for May will be using the Colinette Jitterbug yarn as its base, as well as for the rest of the year.  All the colors have been chosen and ordered.  I was even able to order the color my “Tickle Me” sock pattern was test knit in…and it is an awesome colorway.  We also have Yume coming from Colinette, a silk hand-dye yarn in one of her new colors just for this Spring.  I think this would make a great cowl, scarf or mitts…it is worsted weight and so very soft to work with.

From Frog Tree Yarns, we have their new sock yarn, Pediboo, coming in a color pack, with two skeins of each of their best colors.  This is a great yarn with loft and washability.  They are also sending some new buttons as well as some new colors of Alpaca.

Skacel is shipping us sets of Bamboo Addi Clicks and Crochet Clicks.  We will also be receiving some Zauberball Crazy, some pattern books with new inspiration for sock yarn projects…besides socks.  And they have further shipments with new surprises as we work our way into our summer knitting projects.

I also placed an order with a new company called:  O Wool, based in Philadelphia.  We are going to start with a yarn called Balance, in a dk weight in four colors.  They will be sending color cards, so if there is a different color you would like we will be able to special order for you.  This is a lovely yarn similar to Silky Wool, but only with cotton and wool and completely organic.  It is soft and washable, perfect for baby projects and any number of other ideas.  I can hardly wait to introduce this yarn to you!

That’s it for today.  Take care, stay dry (so MUCH rain), and dream dreams of Spring…it is close!

loads of love, light and laughter always, Mary Ellen and Summit Yarn