I developed this belief when I first started knitting. A few projects in, I had to wonder why I was making so many hats. After some consideration, I decided that as a knitter it was only reasonable to have a hat in every color under the sun, and in every style and fibre imaginable. A couple hundred projects later, and this belief has been extended to everything I knit.
This inspiring little design, a thousand splendid suns (free Ravelry download), is the perfect thing to drape around your neck when the leaves start to turn and you need a little sunshine. There is plenty of heat left in the season, but when knitted in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, this lovely loop will illuminate your wardrobe through the night chill of late summer. Or try new textures when combining The Fibre Company Road to China Light (the softest blend of fibres with a whisper of a halo) and Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (smooth plant fibres)—the juxtaposition is striking, and you may never want to wear another cowl.
My latest WIP, one that I can see myself making several times, is Wayfarer by Jared Flood (pattern available at the shop). This is an amazingly fast knit at only 400 yards of worsted weight yarn, in a pattern that is created by slipping stitches. This is one of my favorite knitting techniques because it looks very difficult and complicated, but you are basically knitting back and forth every row! I am using Dragonfly Fibers Blue Face Worsted, a 100% BFL wool yarn in rare, rich colors. The stitches are beautifully defined, and I love seeing the way the colors unfold into the pattern. I also recommend knitting this pattern in SHELTER to show off your handiwork—the yarn really grabs the texture of the stitches.
Because I always have to be knitting a shawl, I can’t wait to cast on for Fagus by Ann Lundblad (Ravelry download). Draping leaves on a background of garter stitch, this darling little shawl can be customized according to the yardage you have available. Knitted in fingering weight, I imagine it velvety in Skein Merino/Cashmere Fingering—this is 80% Merino/20% Cashmere softness in brilliant colors. I would also love to make this in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Penthouse Silk Fingering—bright jewel tones in 100% silk with a glamorous drape.