It’s been an interesting week, weather-wise. First, space had a shaky day on Tuesday with the East Coast Earthquake. Our walls really shook, but nothing was damaged, and – most important – all the yarn is safe. Today, we’ve had some pretty severe thunderstorms. Now, we’re headed into a weekend that could see more big storms from Hurricane Irene. What’s a knitter to do? Grab some yarn and batten down the hatches, of course.
Hurricane-level storms are no joke. Make sure you’re prepared, and if – like some of our knitters – you’re finding your beach vacation was canceled, make sure you listen to the authorities. Wherever you are, we know you’ll want yarn and needles handy, to take the edge off your nervousness and entertain you whether the power goes out or not.
You’ll want a fuzzy, comforting yarn for the storms this weekend – and, from bulky Techno to sport-weight Road to China Light, we’ve got pattern ideas for you.
Blue Sky Alpacas Techno is a fairly new bulky single-strand yarn. We’re in love with its saturated colors and the speed with which projects knit up in the yarn without feeling heavy or too thick. We suggest you make Elizabeth Mautz-Redmann’s beautiful La Luna Cowl, which is a quick knit with waved ribbing to keep things interesting. This is a great intermediate beginner project and takes just four skeins of Techno.
The Fibre Company Organik is perfect for color fiends. A single-ply yarn, it’s made of wool, alpaca, and silk. Each fibre takes the dye a little differently, and the overall effect is almost iridescent. The perfect yarn to stare at during long, stormy nights or lost weekends when you have to stay inside. Make a two-color Moody Kerchief out of Organik and its cousin Savannah, or get in touch with your dramatic side by knitting the long, cabled Bella’s Mittens (you never know when something supernatural will emerge from the storm).
Mirasol Miski is to die for – worsted weight and 100% baby llama. You can picture hugging a baby llama during a storm, can’t you? We thought so. Use your Miski to make some cozy hand mitts like the ever-popular Fetching (a free Knitty pattern) or the Peaks Island Hood, a versatile hooded scarf that will keep you dry no matter how the rain is pounding.
Road to China Light is another Fibre Company masterpiece: a sport-weight blend of alpaca, silk, cashmere, and camel that has gorgeous complex colors and a lovely drape. Use it to make Evelyn Clark’s beautiful Shetland Triangle Lace Shawl, or wrap yourself in Cecily Glowik MacDonald’s Lavaliere cardigan, which features smocking details at the edges and in a placket on the back.
Whatever you decide to make, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Come on by and engage in some yarn-petting therapy!