Pattern Scout
Internet Ramblings
Dear Ann,
I know old people are always marveling at the rapid passage of time, and I hate to be a cliché, but I cannot–CAN. NOT.–believe that it’s Labor Day weekend already. Where did the summer go? Where has 2/3 of 2016 gone? What is happening? This weekend, I’m trying to slow down for 72 hours. Knit. And then knit some more. And maybe go look at the ocean at night. Eat a couple of BLTs. Things to carry with me into fall and winter, seasons that I love very much. The sweater seasons.
My ceaseless online rambles have yielded up a few shiny nuggets of goodness that I want to share, and then I’m out of here.
Clam Ahoy!
Ankestrick is releasing Ahoi, a new collection of seaside sweaters, in an ebook and single-pattern downloads. The first pattern in the series is called Clam.
As you may know, I have a mental collection of knitted tunic patterns. I love a tunic. I like how a tunic is a dress, but not a dress, and a top, but a top that covers your butt.
Clam has so much of what I love in a tunic. Sock yarn on small needles, so it doesn’t droop. Garter stitch stripes. POCKETS. A neat little stitch detail at the hem, cuff, and pocket edges. I’m excited for this collection.
Sight is Life
I don’t know how I missed this until now, but a group of designers is putting out an ebook to benefit Sight Is Life. As explained by Kirsten Kapur, “Sight is Life is an initiative which funds the work of a doctor in the Democratic Republic of Congo restoring sight of 1,800 people annually. All proceeds are donated to this ophthalmologic work in the poorest country in the world. The e-book will also contain designs by Boo Knits, Joji Locatelli, Kristina Vilimaite, Romi Hill, tincanknits, and Veera Välimäki. Additionally, the e-book will include a shawl pattern presented as a Mystery Knit-A-Long! The shawl pattern was developed by 7 designers together including Ambah O’Brien, Hanna Maciejewska, Helen Stewart, Josh Ryks, Kristina Vilimaite, Lee Meredith, and Monika Sirna.”
Spread the word. The patterns are beautiful, and so is the cause.
(Patterns pictured are Joji Locatelli’s Golden Sand shawl and Kirsten Kapur’s Okapi Socks.)
Shakerag 2017
Speaking of time passing quickly, it is already time to register for the 2017 edition of Shakerag Workshops, a two-week artists’ colony that takes place in rural Tennessee every June. Look at the lineup. Ann, let’s figure out how to get there next year. Just for the food, and the time with effervescent energy bomb/wise woman/role model Claire Reishman (pictured above). Maybe we can pick up some pottery skills or something.
Happy weekend, all.
Love,
Kay
Sock yarn garter stitch that covers your butt!? I’ll be 92 by the time I finish that thing! Although it is beautiful, I’d like the same thing on a 6 mm needle, please.
I was thinking the same thing! It is lovely, though.
because I am lazy.
Love this Clam, but I am right there with you about the endless knitting! I have a short attention span…
He he he…
Thanks for posting the link to Sight Is Life. I rushed right over to get the ebook. That MKAL shawl should be fabulous!
What a timely post regarding the Sight Is Life initiative as I just finished reading the the National Geographic article on blindness. I’ve purchased the ebook and am happy to support such a cause. I often think of all my senses sight is the one I’d least like to lose.
Would you please blog the link to the charity e-book when it comes out? Thanks!
Here is a link from Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/sight-is-life/patterns
Thanks!
These are all very nice, but…what are you wearing to Rhinebeck?
So much good stuff! Love the tunic, Sight is Life, and I look forward to next year’s Shakerag report. Hoping you choose Amy Sanders’ Clay workshop!
And what are you wearing to Rhineeck?
or…to Rhinebeck.
It must be karma. I just finished Whippet, a summer weight cardigan pattern knit from top down, by Ankestick . This is the first time I’ve used one of her patterns. I enjoyed knitting it and especially loved not having to join the sleeves and the body. So I’ m very tempted to do Clam.
I love the tunic and I’d put money on that being reverse stockinette stripes – which I love – and which makes it even easier to knit, because it’s just stockinette in the round that you turn inside out when you’re done!
Oh my word, that tunic stopped me in my tracks. I will be casting on for that IMMEDIATELY. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. All other projects will be summarily shoved under the bed and ignored.
Here’s a probably dumb question. How do I get rid of the pop-up box inviting me to subscribe to the newsletter? I’ve done it several times but no luck.
I can’t really carry off tunics or trench coats for some inexplicable reason, and am forcibly reminded of ET whenever I try on either and glance in a mirror. I’m not vertically challenged, being a hair above average height, so don’t know why it’s a problem for me. It remains an annoying mystery.
I’ve arrived late to this party, so I’m currently awaiting the arrival of a cache of the Icelandic wool to make last year’s Stopover sweater, which I had recently discovered here. (Thanks!!!) Lovely, light, quick sweater–gotta love that! Can hardly wait to get started on it! I’m deeply envious of all who made it together last year. I suspect it will become a cherished favorite, much like has been the case with Heidi Kirrmaier’s Simple Summer Tweed Top Down V-Neck (Ravelry), which includes a crew neck option, and works up perfectly as a summer or winter sweater, depending on fiber choice. Both necklines work up just perfectly, too, and it’s an easy knit, also.
I honestly see no purpose in any top that does NOT cover my butt. And wow, that one is niiiice! I love it as shown but am also imagining a soft grey and slate blue combo…
Thanks for the heads-up on Sight is Life. Powerful stuff!
pssst, it’s not garter stitch it’s stockinette and then turned inside out before adding the pockets…so it’s reverse stockinette…fun and what a great sweater…may have to enlarge it for my big fat larg*esse but oh well, looks great to me….
I laughed when I read this post because on Friday I was walking near Audubon Lake on the Parallel Trail on the University of the South domain, and I ran into Clare Reishman. I was on foot, and she was on horseback. She gets around!