The shop now has all thirty (count ’em – 30!) colors of Neighborhood Fiber Co. Loft in stock, and they are gorgeous. Ranging from a pale periwinkle to the boldest orange, the color palette is bound to include one of your favorites. You can check out the most popular colorways on the yarn’s Ravelry page while the NFC website undergoes its facelift.
Even better, this blend of silk and mohair is perfect for knitting summer garments: light enough that you won’t get hot if your project is draped in your lap, and delicate enough that both project and finished product will fit into your suitcase easily if you’re headed out of town.
The biggest problem we foresee in this yarn is choosing a color: the options are endless. Consider the colorways we suggest below, but don’t limit yourself. You have a whole rainbow to choose from. If you were part of Ann Weaver‘s color theory workshop last weekend, or if you’re up for some experimentation, you might choose a colorway in Loft and a complementary (or contrasting!) color in Malabrigo Merino Worsted or even Viola Silky DK to make the Purl Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (a fantastic book that’s available at the shop).
Watching how the two colorways knit up together will give you a whole new perspective on how colors combine and how different fibers take color. We have a similar scarf on display in the shop if you’d like to see this one up close and personal.
The Mohair Bias Loop by Churchmouse Yarns is a simple loop garment knit on the bias. You can wear this lovely piece as a wrap (see photo), doubled into a cowl, or draped around your neck as a long endless scarf.
The ingenuity of this garment make it a perfect choice to pack for vacation this summer – or to make your next “staycation” feel special. The Rock Creek Park colorway, a bright teal blue, would make this pattern glow next to your face, or you could go more subtle and try it in the periwinkle of Randle Circle.
This is a great pattern for beginning or intermediate knitters; it’s knit flat and seamed together, so if you’ve made a scarf this could be the perfect second project.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more cover and a bit more challenge, consider Kristeen Griffin-Grimes‘ Veronique from French Girl Knits (another book available at the shop – this one a lovely, chic collection inspired by French fashion).
A light bolero, this sweater would be perfect over a strapless dress at a beach wedding, or would dress up a tank top and jeans the next time you’re in Rehoboth. It would pop in the bright orange of Cooper Circle or the purple of Truxton Circle, but then Thomas Circle, a deep charcoal colorway, might make a more versatile garment.
Not excited about sewing the seams on this baby? The French Girl Fans group on Ravelry has a tutorial on knitting Veronique in the round.
The really brave among you will want to try knitting the Seascape Stole in Loft. Its undulating lace pattern recalls the calming movement of ocean waves and the roll of sand dunes, so whether your in town or out you’ll have a little bit of the beach to surround you. This pattern would be stunning in the deep blue of the Georgetown colorway or the green of Logan Circle.
Whatever you choose to make, bring it to the shop so we can take a look!