Fun
Announcing: A Shakerag Top Knitalong!
Maybe you need more elegant, minimalist garments in your closet.
I know I do.
Maybe you’ve been wishing you could play around with the idea of subtle stripes.
I know I have.
Maybe you feel like it’s time for a simple shell that can work as a year-round layer.
Friends, it is time!
We’re declaring a Shakerag Top Knitalong.
I’ve been thinking about Amy Christoffers’s Shakerag Top for months now, ever since she shared her idea with us for our new Field Guide No. 6: Transparency. The stripes come and go depending on the light. It’s super subtle. One-strand stripes, two-strand stripes.
Kay has been deep into her Jade Sapphire Sylph obsession for many moons. She’s on the road at the moment with her Shakerag Top (“Shakerag Top: Here’s My Plan”). I made one scarf with it that has been my constant companion all winter long. It is the most surprising stuff—weightless yet warming, linen and cashmere, in subtle shades from Jane Saffir’s colorful imagination.
How to Get in on This Knitalong
- Get hold of the new Field Guide No. 6: Transparency. It comes in ebook and print editions.
- Figure out your yarn plan. You can get your Sylph over in the MDK Shop (15 shades!). Or you can use whatever yarn you have on hand. Please be assured that this pattern will work with any light fingering weight yarn, though our guess is that it needs to be pretty fine weight in order to keep from getting too bulky. Cotton or linen would be a good choice if you’re aiming for a summery piece; wool would make this a top you’d wear when the weather is cooler or insanely air conditioned as happens here in the South.
- We have a topic started over in the MDK Lounge, “Shakerag Top Knitalong.”
- Schedule: We’ll start now and wind things up on June 6. Though of course anybody who knows us knows that this date is a “guideline.” No pressure.
I am contemplating the idea of adding a second color when the stripes are knitted with two strands. I haven’t decided yet. But there’s so much marling in the air these days that I may need to get my marl on. On the other hand, the incredible subtlety of stripes that are barely visible has great appeal to me. Hey Ann, is that a stripe in your Shakerag Top?
Maybe. Maybe not . . .
Finally . . .
A word to those of you who are currently participating in the Fringe and Friends Logalong, the MDK March Mayhem Knitalong, and/or Bang Out a Carbeth.
Right on! Knitalongs are so inspiring—there’s something about knitting in the company of other folks who are as eager as I am to ditch daily life for a pile of knitting. I’ve never been as productive in my knitting as I am right now. A blanket in eight weeks. A Carbeth in a week. Two giant shawls almost done. It’s the best kind of escapism. Hope you’ll jump in.
I’m in. I have some beautiful linen in my stash just begging to be a sweater.
I’m thinking about doing this in linen, although not right now — way too much must-do knitting right now! — so I look forward to seeing how yours turns out!
So curious to see how that will look! What kind is it???
Me too! It’s Shibui Linen in poppy. It’s a fingering weight. Linen has been discontinued, but there’s a similar yarn called Reed.
Reed! That’s what I just bought! Am planning to cast on this week
Our Albers Shawl kit in Field Guide No. 6 uses Reed–Shibui does such beautiful yarns! Can’t wait to see your Shibui Linen for the Shakerag Top.
Aaagh! I am banging out a Cockleshell cardi—while contemplating the obvious gap in my wardrobe that can only be filled by a Shakerag top . And to think just last week I didn’t even know what was missing.
You nailed this Field Guide 6!
By the time you finished typing, I’m betting your Cockleshell is done.
To wear a Shakerag at Shakerag: #stretchgoal.
Could you post a pic of the Shakerag on something other than a twig? Like maybe a person? I’m having trouble seeing it not being transparent. Sorry to be so unimaginative!
Hi Mary!
I totally hear you—I should have included the photo with the non-twig model! She’s now up top so you can see what the fabric looks like when worn. On a human. ; )
WOW!!