Newsletter 381

Originally Published January 4, 2016

This Week's Inspiration!

The 3 Color Cashmere Cowl from designer Joji Locatelli isn't a new pattern -- it was actually released a year ago this week -- but we finally got around to making a sample, and the timing couldn't be more perfect.  With the rush of holiday knitting finally over, we think you should just go ahead and make something for yourself. This is a lovely little pattern to while away the hours; there are no complex stitches - it's just a matter of assembling some stripes, textures and lace in any combination that suits you.

Rather than a budget-busting cashmere version, we chose to knit our sample in Alpaca 2 from Isager. Alpaca 2 is a sumptuous blend of alpaca and merino lambswool that's naturally dyed in a wide range of colors (we've featured just a few); this yarn is perfect for any item worn close to sensitive skin.

More Inspiration!

So sometimes we have winding mishaps...and when we do, we turn that mishap into a new shop sample!  Before this beautiful blue yarn became a hat, it was a gnarled, tangled mess, but after a bit of time mastering our patience skills while re-winding it, we decided to knit it up into the Tumbler Ridge Hat.  A fun, funky slouchy hat with attitude, this easy toque is a great way to showcase one skein of variegated worsted weight yarn. We used Sweet Georgia Superwash Worsted, a machine-washable heavy worsted weight yarn, suitable for just about everything from hard-wearing sweaters to quick-knit accessories.

Two More Classes Added to Winter 2016 Class Schedule!

Felted Bag with Kelley (above).  Learn simple color-work knitting...or not!  Do you see those adorable sheep peeking around from behind the corner of the bag in front?  Opt to make a solid bag or one that features color-work. Experience required: prior knowledge of casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch and binding off are required.

Haekelbeutal All-Purpose Tote with Kelley (below).  Join Kelley for a little hooking while you whip up 16 granny squares, then join them to make this all-purpose graphic bag, perfect for toting veggies at the farmer's market or more yarn to add to your stash. Experience required:Crocheters should already know how to work chain stitches, single crochets, and double crochets for this intermediate-level class.

A Note from Christina, Organizer of Threads of Kindness: