Noro Sonata

Take a gander at this lovely cotton and silk blend from Noro. Sonata is a loosely-plied DK weight yarn in some gorgeous vibrant colors.

Pic borrowed from Rav project page.

This would be amazing for a simple summer wrap, maybe a few stripes or a little subtle texture? I am loving this Corrugated Shawl by Raveler liveinstitches, especially in the natural.

Since the yarn is so loosely-plied and rustic, I would be cautious about using it for a sweater where it would get a lot of wear and might pill up. But I think a drapey tank or tee would be really cool.

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

Riley from last summer's Pom Pom would be so cool. I have also been looking for a reason to make a short-sleeved Ranunculus, and this might be my perfect excuse.

What do you all think of the new summer-ready Noro?

Pom Pom, Summer 2019

Hello newest Pom Pom! In addition to all of the lovely projects, this issue contains an article by Emi Ito about cultural appropriation and diversity. She touches on some really important points about how we as makers can be more thoughtful and aware with our work and actions. Definitely an important read for all of us who have room to grow and learn form each other.

And the projects are gorgeous! Loving the textures and patterns on these sweaters.

I don't know how to crochet, but this bag is gorgeous and now I want to learn. Thank you, Pom Pom, for inspiring me to learn new things!

Sun

We are in the in-between season here in Portland. One day it's sunny and warm, then we have three days of rain and clouds. I'm not complaining...it's great to have spring last a little longer before it gets so hot. But sometimes I crave the bright colors, and this pretty Degradé Sun from Katia is certainly doing the trick!

This is a 100% DK weight cotton with a really pretty long-fade color change. We have this cute little raglan baby sweater in the shop to show off the nice colors effects.

Some folks on Ravelry commented on how it looks a little "dirty," but I think it looks painterly and rich. It reminds me of the Liberty Wool from Classic Elite that we used to carry. The extra grunge gives it a cool effect, I think, and makes it well-suited for all kinds of fun projects.

Look at this cute little top from Katia.

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

I love this ombre ripple washcloth.

Pic borrowed from Rav project page.

Check out this cool use of colorblocking.

Pic borrowed from Rav project page.

Oooo, this pretty cotton Tecumseh is the perfect thing for summer, and the Sun adds even more interest to the colorwork.

Pic borrowed from Rav project page.

This fun Katia Sun might be the thing to get you through until the real sun sticks around! It will happen sooner than we all think.

Lang Bloom

Hello sunshine! Lang Bloom is a cotton/viscose/linen blend with some fun shimmery bits incorporated. It also does a lovely ombre thing over the course of the cake, which can give even the simplest projects some extra oomph.

I found this cool asymmetrical scarf published for free by the folks at Stitch Central yarn shop in PA.

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

The Lafayette Scarf uses every inch of the yarn and really shows off the cool color changes. I would love to see what you all make with this unusual summer yarn!

Knitscene

The Summer 2019 Knitscene is fun! Can I show you some of the things that caught my eye?

These hat and socks look like great basics on their own, but the visible mending look adds a little something extra to this set.

My 90's teenage self is jonesing for this lace tube/tank top.

Summer is a great time to knit wraps and shawls...play with some color and texture and interesting stitches on a not-sweater-sized project.

 

This cute biased top is so springy and cute, too!

And a cotton tote bag is never a bad idea for summer.

We love to knit all summer long! What do you all like to knit in the warmer months?

Summer Hours

I know it doesn't exactly look like summer with our overnight sprinkles and chilly mornings, but June 1st officially signifies our switch to summer hours.

We will be open:
Monday through Friday 11-6,
Open Knit Night on most Wednesdays from 6-9, 
Saturday 10-5, 
and Sunday 12-5.

Stop in to say hi and find a perfect summer project!

Summer IK

Y'all, the summer Interweave Knits is really cool. Take a look.

It seems like the design mags often miss the mark for me, especially in the summer. But I am loving the designs in this issue! Anyone else finding inspiration here? What are you thinking about making?

Pima Rino

We have a great new yarn with a fun name from Plymouth Yarns!

Pima Rino is a blend of 70% pima cotton and 30% merino wool, which I think are two of the loveliest and softest fibers you can find. So, you can't really go wrong here.

This would be great for baby and kid sweaters and hats. I think it would make an amazing and weighty blanket if that's your thing. But mostly, I'm dreaming of thick cotton sweaters for me. Maybe a fisherman's rib or shaker rib cardigan in the stone or navy blue. Something modern like Flaum, maybe?

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

Or perhaps a thick textured cabled sweater to wear all year-round. I'm envisioning that one in white. Heidi Kirrmaier's Catch of the Day sweater seems like the right thing here.

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

I always wish I had a nice cozy cotton sweater for our chilly evenings, and I think this yarn could be the perfect place to start.

Eye Candy

Check out the cute summer tops in the newest Knitscene! Maybe, if we all knit summer garments, it will start to get warm. Let's try.