introducing kenzie

I am so very excited to introduce Kenzie, the newest addition to the HiKoo family. This yarn hails from New Zealand and it's a truly special blend that comes in a versatile, cheerful range of colors. Kenzie is comprised of wool, angora, alpaca, nylon silk noils in five neutrals and five saturated brights cover nearly any knitting situation. The yarn hovers right between a DK and a light worsted, with a malleable gauge range. It looks as lovely knit at a dense gauge as it does at a looser one. 

It washes beautifully and develops a gentle halo over time. Itch-free and afforable, it's an incredible basic that will be an instant favorite. We're celebrating the arrival of this cool new yarn with three free patterns, available right here (click over to the Patterns tab to download) and on Ravelry. Enjoy! 

CR

pom pom quarterly

Have you heard of Pom Pom Quarterly? It's brand new on the knitting scene, a sassy import from the UK. Printed at a smaller than usual scale on gorgeous matte paper, it is filled with charming hand drawn illustrations and tasteful touches like a list of what current contributors are listening to while they create. The patterns are fresh and adorable, and they have just enough knitterly detail to broadcast your skills to the world without slipping into fiber fashion victim territory. 

I was very happy to contribute an article to their most recent issue, available here. You'll have to get your hands on the issue to see what I have to say about shopping for leather and closures in unusual locales, but I thought I'd share some of the photos I submitted here. I'm particularly enamoured with a swing clasp that I found at my local leather good supply, MacPherson's here in Seattle. I used it to close the Sweet & Tough Ducan Scarf shown above (download the free pattern here). The heavy antiqued brass was the perfect way to offset the frothy Schulana Ducan. 

 

From the top: 1. Bolts of leather on display at MacPhearson's 2. Picking up cabling ideas from leather braiding manuals 3. Dyed fish skins 4. Strips of supple leather lacing 5. Leather lacing used to embellish a men's hat 6. Gilded skin from an ostrich shin 7. Ragga Eirkisdottir using an Icelandic sheepskin to stay warm [photo by Jared Flood] 8. Scrap bin at MacPhearson's, the perfect place to find elbow patches and trims. 

go gobi

Zitron Gobi is enjoying quite a moment. While it may seem basic at first glance, it's clear that knitters are discovering the wholesome joy these dumpling like balls can bring. Slightly heavier than worsted and just a notch under chunky, this Aran weight blend of merino, alpaca and camel knits up quickly and easily. It creates a sturdy but supple fabric, the perfect density for hearty sweaters and substantial accessories. Camel often resists dying, so lighter colors have the added depth of soft brown heathering, a rustic side effect of this unique fiber. It reminds me of the first apple crisp of autumn, a decadent oat-filled treat that still manages to somewhat salubrious.

I asked designer Stephen West for his impressions on Gobi. He designed two pieces in Gobi that will appear in Westknits vol. 5 (there is just a little snippet of one below). He says, "I love the relaxed color palette of Gobi. It reminds me of blankets and colors from family vacations at the lake in the 90s, comfortable and nostalgic colors. The alpaca provides a lovely subtle fuzz and drape to the knitted fabric and the Aran weight gauge means quick knitting."

If you want a little Gobi in your life, check out Elizabeth Elliott's Herringbone Cowl in Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2012. Choose two colors and knit an earthy neckwarmer to guard against winter chills.

(nathan rega of harper point photography)

If you decide you want to spend a little more time with Gobi, cast on for a coat! The growing work in progress will keep you warm at fall football games and you'll be perfect cozy wearing it for the rest of the winter. Stay uptown and on-trend with Erica Patberg's detail-laden Peplum + Pleat Jacket, published in Interweave Knits.

If you'd like a slouchy countryside coat, cast on for Mari Lynn Patrick's Relaxed Coat, published in last winter's Knit Simple.

There are even more Gobi patterns available in the Skacel archives, and I think you'll agree that they have a timeless appeal. I just got word that there are new patterns and colors in the works, so this lovely yarn will be in our hands and our stashes for long time to come.

CR

instahats...

You've probably heard of Instagram, but have you ever heard of InstaHATS? That's what I've started calling the hats I have been cranking out on my addi Express knitting machine! I used the King size to make three hats and a cowl in just under an hour. My coworkers made an awesome video that shows you exactly how to make our Riff Hat Express pattern (click here to download the free PDF).

It's a really simple hat, but it's a winner. It's all about yarn choice here. I recommend using a self-striping yarn for lots of interest (the hats above each used colorful Schoppel Zauberwolle), or switching colors halfway through, as we did with the original sports team inspired hats seen in the PDF. 

The hat is completely reversible, super stretchy and very warm! If you make it on the longer side (26" or so), it will have that slouchy Seven Dwarves look that is so in these days...

We had a German-themed shindig over the summer to celebrate 25 years of Skacel. The addi Express table was completely packed the whole day! It only takes a moment to learn (even after a stein or two of beer), and once you get going, it's really hard to stop. My mind is reeling with the possibilites...

Hope you're all enjoying the final days of summer!

CR

Iceland bound...

I can scarcely believe it but in about 48 hours I will be leaving for Iceland! While I'm there I'll be teaching at Body, Mind, Lopi with Ragga Eiriksdottir and Stephen West and styling a bit as well. Look forward to fresh knits later this year, designed by Stephen and me, in a colorful range of yarns from Schoppel Wolle, Zitron and Schulana. Quite a few people have asked what styling a knitwear shoot entails. It looks a lot like this, though I'm usually clutching a Red Bull and furrowing my brow: 

What's in the belt?! Some of my styling essentials, and the list always changes but these are the must-haves. A smart phone is an invaluable part of my kit. I use it to take snapshots during fittings so I'll remember the plan later in the day. I will also use it to download a menu and order lunch! It's all kinds of useful. Pins, clamps and tape are all necessary when you're out in the elements or if you're using a range of models. It isn't always about deception! A clamp or two on the bottom of a shawl can help it to hang just right on a blustery mountaintop. 

Wrinkle releaser sprays frankly freak me right out, but they're incredible when you don't have access to your trusty steamer (not pictured, but my very best friend on any shoot). Basic sewing supplies are a given; I add stain remover wipes and anti-static sprays to the mix for covert fixes. Twine and leather cording help to wrangle all sorts of things: a wildflower bouquet, a model's messy impromptu braids. 

Lastly, a small light, a tin of mints and some basic hair and make-up tools. Oh! And SPF! Never be without it, especially when working outdoors. 

 

It's also my job to procure clothes that will set off the knitted items being photographed. Working in conjunction with the designer, art director and photographer, we'll scheme for weeks to get a handle on what the look should be. I've learned that no amount of planning will help you predict what will actually work on set, but it helps to be prepared. 

Here are just a couple of the garments I've gathered for the collection Stephen and I will be shooting. The garments are witty, colorful and all over the place in terms of technique and yarn choice. We're hoping the stark landscapes of Iceland will be the perfect backdrop for our particular melanage...

Bless bless*,

Cirilia

*Icelandic for 'bye'