There’s still a lot of warmth in the sun, and the cicadas are singing riotously all afternoon. Yet we can’t deny that summer is wrapping up. This can be a bittersweet time – who doesn’t like a lazy, warm, midsummer afternoon with a good book?
Also: who doesn’t love sweater weather!
For yarnies, this is a time of plotting and planning. We can be looking for a ‘wow’ sweater, the coziest afghan, or the most adorable hat and mitten set. The sewing crowd is turning from linens and light colours to warm-toned quiltings and heavier apparel fabrics. Perhaps a new jacket or crisp blouse?
If you’re looking for inspiration I have a few ideas to share with you. Come join in the fun!
Knitters and crocheters, this is the your cue to dive into colour work, and no one does colour work better than Tin Can Knits. From their Decades Pullover (photo below on the right) to their Sweet Shop series (photo below left),and Strange Brew design hack, you can’t go wrong with a TCK pattern. Most of their patterns come in a range of sizes from newborn to 6XL, and in a range of yarn weights. If you download the Tin Can Knits App, you’ll have access to nine free knitting patterns as well as useful tutorials. You can also purchase patterns through the app, and you will see only the size you’ve chosen. I use the app all the time and it’s very intuitive to use.
(Photo left c. Tin Can Knits)
I used Haynes Creek Heathers DK from Gathering Yarn for both the Sweet Shop Hat and World’s Simplest Mittens. I find the colours very complimentary, and you have 15 to choose from at Knit Sew Well. I’ve put all the Gathering Yarn products on sale until the end of September. We’re talking fingering, DK and aran-weight yarns, and all are great for cool weather projects.
I’m also intrigued with the Sea Glass series by Wool and Pine. The Sea Glass Tee is especially fun because there are both knit and crochet options. These patterns are designed for any yarn weight, and are great stash-busters. You could also use a Koigu Paint Can or Koigu Pencil Box set to get the same effect.
(photo c. Wool and Pine)
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-glass-tee
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-sea-glass-tee
For the crocheters in the room, I’d like to direct you to the Stella Crochet Pullover and Sabitini Cardigan by Nomad Stitches. Available on Ravelry, these cheeky designs are very customizable and are a great intro to crochet garments. The Stella Crochet Pullover would look lovely in The Farmer from Gathering Yarn, while the Sabitini Cardigan could be done in either Haynes Creek Heathers DK, or Brook Farm Fingering held double with a strand of Koigu Sophie. Very tempting!
(Photo c. Nomad Stitches)
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stella-crochet
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sabitini-cardigan
So, you want to sew. As a novice sewer, I’m a big fan of Closet Core. This Montreal-based operation offers online tutorials, pattern support and produces great patterns. If you’re looking for an all-purpose blouse, you can’t beat the Basalt Shirt. I made one up in Worker Chambray by Robert Kaufman and I love how crisp and neat this top looks. Sewing one up in red or black would be a great addition to any wardrobe.
Knit Sew Well also carries a small selection of Chambray Union Indigo by Robert Kaufman. These have more drape than the Worker Chambray, so would be more suitable for the Jenna Blouse by Closet Core.
A word to our quilters: the stock of some of the Essex Yarn Dyed is getting pretty low. Several customers have used this as a backing fabric for their quilts. It’s an exceptionally soft yet sturdy fabric, ideal for both garments and house wares. It’s also on sale, as is all the in-stock Kona Cotton Solids.
Here’s to happy, colourful making this fall!