So here we are in March. It's s really not
spring...but we're really tired of winter. And winter clothes, and
winter projects and winter-looking gray trees. Not to mention the
news and public health challenges. So what's a knitter gonna do? Put down that project that's
become a slog and live a little. Cast on. What to knit, you ask? I've got three good ideas for what we want--no NEED- in our March knits! (all photos by me, in case you wonder)
1) We want a fabulous new sweater. A March sweater project has to be quick, for the satisfaction of wearing it this season. And it must be stylish yet comfy like fabulous pajamas, because after months of wearing sturdy pullovers, we need some swish. I nominate Keeler, made in this Ultra Chunky Wool.
I have wanted to knit one since we did this photo shoot last fall.
The pocket and deep split curved hem remind me of a dearly departed vintage handknit of my great grandmother's, that I wore through college and into my 20's, till it was in tatters. I've dreamed of replacing it and have never seen a simlar pattern, This one comes close.
2)We want something lightweight-chic to wrap around our neck now AND to wear over our shoulders with a sundress in May. So Hazelbrook in Quinoa does the trick. (sidenote: aaagh! look at the color options from that yarn link--it's a mostly cotton thick and thin pebbly yarn that's worsted weight)
I knit a Clapotis in a linen-y blend a mere 15 years ago (really?), and it has gotten more outings in more seasons than almost anything else I've knit. Hazelbrook could to do the same. Plus--that stitch?! So pretty.
3)We want new hats, fast hats! Because it'll cheer us up right away. I wouldn't necessarily go for the grey yarn shown but that chunky yarn and style are straight from the Let's Make the Best of March playbook Added bonus, it's a free pattern from Berroco newlsetter. It's Yawl, in Catena, which is bulky and soft and luxurious feeling but most importantly, the bulky .
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NOTE: These are all Berroco yarn patterns, and it just happens two are deisgned by Amy Christoffers. I am a huge fan of her style. I photograph these knits months ahead of release, and often fall for some of the 80 or so patterns that flash before my eyes as we move rom one yarn line to another, and various locations, over 4-5 days. It's fun to see them release and fall in love with them again.
This is secretly a Three on Thursday post (I know, day late) and you can find more of them linked to Carole's post every week as in that link. Also Beverly Army Williams and Cal Patch are in on this too. Drop over and give them a gander!
I've been on a work bender since late summer, photographing a ton of projects that I am crazy about. Like, I'm busting to show and tell. Most of them won't surface for months or even a year...but happily Saturate/Desaturate , a collection and ebook from Kirsten Kapur/Through the Loops was released a couple of weeks ago.
It's probably not news that I love collaborating with Kirsten, considering that I shot her Shawl Book One and we co-authored Drop Dead Easy Knits with Mary Lou Egan. Among other adventures.
This book is extra special to me. The concept came up when we were on a long drive and I was saying how her designs are so strong that she could show them in both her signature color combos AND as natural, neutral solids that let the textures and geometry shine, showing each piece two ways. A while went by (we come up with a lot of schemes that never reach action). Then she told me she'd partnered with Malabrigo Yarn and the idea became real! Next we had to figure out a way to photograph the collection.
Naturally we came up with fantastic visual solutions that far outstripped the budget. Like going to a wonderful location where there were houses painted all kinds of colors and shooting in front of them, or shooting by street murals all over NYC , standing somewhere different for each set up. Logistically a budget buster for all the extra model and shooting time needed to travel all over.
In the end, I decided that each project was plenty strong on its own. No need to get crazy with the backgrounds! We'd show Saturated (in multi colors) against a plain white studio wall, and then the Desaturated (monochrome neutral or natural color version) would be photographed against a multi colored backdrop of fabric and styled with more neutral / naturals.
There are five patterns in the collection--I left off a bulky hat that I love, and a gorgeous wrap that looks crocheted but is infact some beautiful knitting stitch. You can purchase them singly if you are able to make those kind of choices ;-) Go look!
