Thinking of Spring

It looks like spring weather will be eluding us for at least another few days here in Portland, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t start working on spring sweaters.

The Scallop Lace Cardigan, a free pattern from the Classic Elite Web-Letter, would be perfect over a t-shirt or sundress as the weather warms up. It is knit with Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo, a DK 50/50 wool/bamboo blend, and we carry a variety of colors at the shop. The wool content helps garments retain their shape, while the bamboo provides lovely sheen and drape to the finished piece.

The Classic Elite pattern booklets are full of patterns that would work well in Wool Bam Boo, including these lovelies from New Harbor (Book 9098).

So, brave the clouds and rain and come by the shop. We'd be happy to show you our selection of Wool Bam Boo and Classic Elite patterns so you can plan your new spring sweater today!

All project photos are courtesy of Classic Elite Yarns and have been used with permission.

Au Naturel

Most of us are concerned about making green choices - from the food we eat to the mode of transportation that we choose. Fortunately, there are socially responsible fiber choices as well. Here at Close Knit, we carry an increasing number of organic wools and cottons and naturally dyed yarns so that you can feel good about the fibers that you use.

One of my favorite companies, Rowan, based in the UK, produces Purelife Organic Wool Naturally Dyed. This is a classic DK weight yarn - 5.5 stitches per inch, and is soft and comfy in both subdued and festive shades, all dyed with natural dyes.

We also carry a naturally dyed bulky wool by local dyeworks Pico Accuardi. The colors are subtle and gorgeous - especially Partly Cloudy and Stumptown, dyed with local favorite Stumptown Coffee. Leah made an easy, slouchy hat with the Johnny-Wog colorway. Stop by the store to check it out.

We have many organic cotton choices from DK to bulky. Conventionally grown cotton is dependent upon the heavy use of insecticides. Organic cotton, however, is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.

As part of their Purelife line, Rowan produces an organic, naturally dyed DK cotton in muted, springy shades.

Debbie Bliss produces Eco Cotton, an Aran weight yarn in lively, cheerful colorways. This yarn is produced using fair business practices as well as ecologically sound farming techniques. Farmers are equal partners with textile producers and the cooperative ensures fair and humane business practices. The dyes are non-toxic and water is recycled after production. We will receive our first shipment of Eco Baby, a a sport-weight cotton, this week. Sally has ordered all sixteen shades, along with the accompanying pattern book.

Blue Sky Alpacas produces several different organic cotton yarns. There's Hand-Spun Organic Cotton, which is spun on drop spindles by a women's cooperative in Peru, as well as Worsted Cotton, an organically grown cotton in a variety of vibrant shades.

We also carry Skinny Cotton, a plied, organic DK weight yarn dyed with low-impact dyes.

Finally, we carry Classic Elite Sprout, a bulky organic cotton perfect for spa cloths as well as garments in colorways that range from delicate to fiery.

So, if organic, natural products are important to you, ask about our options here at Close Knit. We would be happy to show you socially responsible, organic yarns that help you to feel good about your purchase and your impact on the world.