Inspiration
Pattern Scout: Coffee Break Edition
Dear all,
On this Tuesday in early fall, I’m taking a break and spending a few minutes with beautiful handknits. This is not procrastination. Definitely not procrastination.
My dreambook?
The lookbook we cooked up to show off our fancy new yarn, Jane.
Here’s our lookbook extravaganza. This is the superfun project where we pair our fancy new yarn, Jane, with 15 current and very popular designs.
At the moment, the design most calling to me is Amy Christoffers’s Pressed Flowers Pullover.
I’ve made the Pressed Flowers Cowl, but I still crave more of Amy’s mosaic stitch magic. This version is Marigold with Aubergine flowers.
Figuring out the colors of Jane for this is such a perfect mini vacation.
I’m thinking . . .
Cameo . . .
plus flowers of Marigold . . .
What do you think? Is there some other pairing of Jane you like better?
This is not procrastination. This is artistic musing. This is curation. This is practically art. ; )
Love,
Ann
I would choose Shadow with Scarlet flowers.
I always enjoy standing in the corner where my 2 bookcases of yarns are and musing color combos, its definitely an artistic pastime, I agree.
I need a little help from someone who’s actually seen Jane: I’m fascinated by Cameo, but I don’t trust my monitor. Is there really a touch of green in that grey, or is it more blue? Or maybe straight grey? Inquiring minds want to know! Thanks for this reminder of the Pressed Flowers sweater, Ann – it’s been on my mind and it’s time to add it to my queue.
My skein of Jane Cameo definitely has a greenish tint. HTH
I’m (famously) a little bit color blind but yes, Cameo does lean green. I’M TOLD.
I just finished a Pressed Flowers kerchief in purple and green and loved the result! If I were to make a sweater in pressed flowers, I would choose Jane in Aubergine with Marigold flowers. Can’t go wrong with purple!
Pressed Flowers is in my queue as well…. Now you have me thinking!
There must be a bunch of opened, half skeins of Jane laying about HQ there – it’s your civic duty to make up a bunch of different color swatches for the masses to see! You’d be doing a public service.
We made thousands of little yarn sample cards when we launched Atlas and lemme tell you: there would be a “Norma Rae”-style revolution if we had to do it again!
Don’t think that was the suggestion, but some photos of different color skeins placed together, isnythat doable?
Definitely not procrastination.
I’m into a Pressed Flowers with really low contrast ,like a tonal combo- like Scarlet and Persimmon.
Loud and subtle.
This would be so yummy!!
That combo is so late-October Japanese maple: it’s perfect. I’m knitting Kate Davies’ Nut-Hap right now using Jane. My bird inspiration wasn’t the nuthatch but the Spotted Pardalote. Jane comes in just the right colors.
That will be stunning.
Persimmon and Juniper would be a lovely fall pairing. I also like Juniper and Heather. I have 2 skeins of Persimmon and it’s just gorgeous! I can’t wait to cast on for the Jacob’s Hat.
I am on my third page-turn of the beautiful lookbook. I love the Nivalis wrap. Nothing like a really substantial shawl. I might even make it as a Christmas gift (after I make my own:)
I am working on the Pressed Flower Pullover. Getting started was a challenge. I called the yarn store where purchased and was talked through the short rows. It’s hypnotic to watch the design take shape.
Yorkshire with Aubergine flowers rings by bell!
Thank You for hosting the Makers for Kamala. I tryed to leave a commet then but could not. Thank You again get out and vote!!!!
You just couldn’t let it go. When you invite people into your home, you treat them ALL with respect. Old fashioned but a great ethical rule. Our good mothers teach us this. I sure didn’t feel welcome. We’re asked to support this website by buying the books and yarns and then slapped around every now and then. Because that’s what happens to anyone who is not liberal here. And it’s obvious that there are few conservatives here so we’re going to get ganged up on. And you all do it so well here. Clap clap. I know there will be a loss of sales from this gang bang. Will it be enough to change our hostesses decisions to throw out something political, pop the popcorn and laugh at the show? Time will tell. I am still drooling to buy a years stock of that Jane but how can I support people who think so little of me?
If you want to post strong and clear reasons for voting for the Republican candidate you are invited to do that. As someone who was raised in a Republican household, considers herself to be conservative on many issues, and is married to a registered Republican, (who is not voting for Trump because the attack on the Capitol was the last straw) I respect the values that conservatives can bring to the conversation. But this election is different. It is not about whether or not I respect the Republican party. It is about whether or not I respect the candidate. And I do not. I cannot vote for someone who does not respect the governing principles of democracy–which is informed discussion to get to policy recommendations that are economically sound and socially beneficial. Trump clearly wants to run the party the way he runs his businesses. And politics are so much different from business for a reason. Politics rely on discussion and debate and and and understanding of different points of view. Trump does not do that. He does not listen to subject experts. The party deserves a better candidate than one who choses to be informed by, and create social policy based on, social media conspiracy theories rather than fact-based analyses and recommendations from our country’s top military and economic advisors. We have many issues to address. I totally agree we need to address immigration. Hatred of immigrates, accusing all immigrants of being criminals, and mass deportations are not sound policy. Yet, that is the language being used to express planned policies. Trump had an opportunity during the debate to set out an immigration plan that would address the complexity of the issue. He has been President. He has seen the issues. He could have cited them and cited options. He chose to accuse Haitians of eating pets. And that is just one example of inflammatory language that is extremely destructive. Four years in the White House and no immigration policy. The focus was on Supreme Court appointments to overturn Roe v. Wade. What is the economic and social justice necessity of overturning a policy that protected women’s rights to make their own reproductive health decisions. Trump wants it back with the states. There are states that are forcing women in precarious health situations to deal with legal challenges. They need protection. And it is not even clear historically why this is a defining issue of the Republican party. This is a real policy issue. It is deeply informing the way I vote. My overall thought is this, as someone who does not support Donald Trump I perceive him to be attacking and belittling and excluding everyone. He openly aligns himself with hate groups. He is not inclusive. Inclusiveness for him is weakness. He says he loves the country and wants to make it great again. He loves himself and wants to shape it in his own vision. There is a written plan. Exclusion…Donald Trump is a master of the language of exclusion. He has taken language that belongs to all of us and appropriated it for his campaign. Christianity–from someone who does not attend church. Suddenly I am being excluded from being Christian because I do not vote for Trump. And this country was founded on the principle of religious freedom. That means respecting the diversity of the religious groups who worship here. Patriot…I believe in this country and the opportunities it affords. But I am excluded from being one because I do not vote for Trump. And because his ultimate definition of patriot is someone who attacks the Capitol and disrupts the transition of power. Our patriot founding fathers ensured a peaceful election process so we can have transition of power without bloodshed. We need leadership from both sides that will address the complex economic and social issues of this country. I am voting for the candidate that I believe is best able to open the channels of communication and make informed decisions. And we need a leader who recognizes the greatness of this country for what is has become and is willing to move forward with policies that ensure our continued greatness and the continued survival of our democratic principles.
I get you, even though I am neither Republican nor American. I thought this was a yarny place and semi understood the lack of references to the ongoing carnage being sponsored by your country. But this maker for Kamala thing has angered me. Where are the blankets for Palestinian children? Do all these lovely liberal creatives feel nothing? Goodbye MDK
I feel your pain!
I have the Pressed Flowers cardigan in my queue. I love all things Amy Christoffers. I’m working on my 4th or 5th Felix pullover right now. And, also, my moniter does not do Jane justice. The colors are much more vibrant in person and you can definitely see the gray undertones. It’s such a gorgeous yarn!
Colour combo in “Jane” for this “Pressed FLOWERS” pattern.
Hard not to use green as a background, then pick the flower corresponding to the available colour options: the darker blue for hydrangea (or forget-me-not), substitute pink for the blue and you get a apple blossom/peony and so on, just pick the flower! If the green is not your thing, take a neutral light shades of Yorkshire or Heather for the “paper background” of your collection. Then there is another option with monochromatic blues light and dark or any other two. Make the front using darker background and reverse it for the back… Possibilities are endless…
And one that remains only a wish – if Jane offered halfskeins – that would be real fun in creating a “pressed flower meadow mix”. Hello, Kaffe Fassett!
Oh, I love these ideas! I think someone else here suggested a monochromatic Pressed Flowers and to be honest, that sounds so lovely to me! I also love the idea of a rainbow of colors effect – that would be so much fun!
Love this inspiration book! And how wonderful it is to come together through knitting no matter what our personal politics. That is how I view MDK. And isn’t it great that we live in a space where we have the freedom to have different opinions but we can all appreciate yarn! Yay Jane.
What about Peony with Scarlet flowers? It’d work with black slacks, blue jeans, Kermt, and anything Alabama Chanin…!
I’m learning more toward cameo background with peony flowers.
If you want to post strong and clear reasons for voting for the Republican candidate you are invited to do that. As someone who was raised in a Republican household, considers herself to be conservative on many issues, and is married to a registered Republican, (who is not voting for Trump because the attack on the Capitol was the last straw) I respect the values that conservatives can bring to the conversation. But this election is different. It is not about whether or not I respect the Republican party. It is about whether or not I respect the candidate. And I do not. I cannot vote for someone who does not respect the governing principles of democracy–which is informed discussion to get to policy recommendations that are economically sound and socially beneficial. Trump clearly wants to run the party the way he runs his businesses. And politics are so much different from business for a reason. Politics rely on discussion and debate and and and understanding of different points of view. Trump does not do that. He does not listen to subject experts. The party deserves a better candidate than one who choses to be informed by, and create social policy based on, social media conspiracy theories rather than fact-based analyses and recommendations from our country’s top military and economic advisors. We have many issues to address. I totally agree we need to address immigration. Hatred of immigrates, accusing all immigrants of being criminals, and mass deportations are not sound policy. Yet, that is the language being used to express planned policies. Trump had an opportunity during the debate to set out an immigration plan that would address the complexity of the issue. He has been President. He has seen the issues. He could have cited them and cited options. He chose to accuse Haitians of eating pets. And that is just one example of inflammatory language that is extremely destructive. Four years in the White House and no immigration policy. The focus was on Supreme Court appointments to overturn Roe v. Wade. What is the economic and social justice necessity of overturning a policy that protected women’s rights to make their own reproductive health decisions. Trump wants it back with the states. There are states that are forcing women in precarious health situations to deal with legal challenges. They need protection. And it is not even clear historically why this is a defining issue of the Republican party. This is a real policy issue. It is deeply informing the way I vote. My overall thought is this, as someone who does not support Donald Trump I perceive him to be attacking and belittling and excluding everyone. He openly aligns himself with hate groups. He is not inclusive. Inclusiveness for him is weakness. He says he loves the country and wants to make it great again. He loves himself and wants to shape it in his own vision. There is a written plan. Exclusion…Donald Trump is a master of the language of exclusion. He has taken language that belongs to all of us and appropriated it for his campaign. Christianity–from someone who does not attend church. Suddenly I am being excluded from being Christian because I do not vote for Trump. And this country was founded on the principle of religious freedom. That means respecting the diversity of the religious groups who worship here. Patriot…I believe in this country and the opportunities it affords. But I am excluded from being one because I do not vote for Trump. And because his ultimate definition of patriot is someone who attacks the Capitol and disrupts the transition of power. Our patriot founding fathers ensured a peaceful election process so we can have transition of power without bloodshed. We need leadership from both sides that will address the complex economic and social issues of this country. I am voting for the candidate that I believe is best able to open the channels of communication and make informed decisions. And we need a leader who recognizes the greatness of this country for what is has become and is willing to move forward with policies that ensure our continued greatness and the continued survival of our democratic principles.
Shadow with Persimmon flowers.
I think peony, persimmon, and marigold would be an interesting, bold combo that I can never wear because of my skin tone. But imaging a marigold background scattered with peony and persimmon flowers.
Perhaps use many colors at once – one MC and choose a few for the CC and have swaths of different flowers. Everytime I see a Pressed Flowers project, I want to knit another.
I have a few skeins of Jane I snagged early on because, well, because. Now I’m thinking a Pressed flowers kerchief. So many lovely colors.
Thanks to MANDASMOM for her thoughtful comments.
Incidentally it’s frustrating to not be allowed to reply to a post that’s “awaiting moderation”, especially since that “moderation” seems to take a long time. And what’s the point of “awaiting” if it’s published anyway?
I agree, why leave the comment up if there’s no means to converse? I typed out this whole paragraph and couldn’t post it above, but since your comment was approved, maybe I can leave it here:
It’s not just conservatives [who are annoyed by blasting Kamala content here], it’s also those of us who are so, so, so, so tired of being nagged and scolded and told what to do and what to think and blah blah blah. Like so tired. I don’t really care if everyone at MDK loves Kamala. I don’t see the hype (yes I am aware of who the Republican candidate is, no I am personally not voting for him, no that doesn’t mean she’s automatically earned my vote, that’s not how this works) but it’s well within their right to have that opinion and share it with their customers if they so choose. What I do care about is, like I said, feeling nagged and scolded and emotionally manipulated by the people who want to sell me yarn. It’s such a turn-off. If you feel you must, then try and persuade me, but keep in mind that I, just like everyone else, am aware that it’s an election year, and that I didn’t come to your website for a political lecture. It’s not really going to win me for Kamala. I just want the businesses I patronize to treat me like an adult — to treat me with respect.
Again, support Kamala all you want, not my problem, I don’t have to care. I do get to care about being treated like I’m stupid.
Hmmmmm… My take is that the “Kamala” event is an important aspect for the MDK site BECAUSE MDKers are treated with intelligence and concern for their / our actual real-life well-being.
I think it is so interesting that we yarn and knitting people can be so concerned about the community value of sheep and the precious land and grass that creates the beautiful and expensive fiber we (and I most definitely) – mostly women – swoon and drool over.
How ethically serious and good of us: Those animals sure are lucky to have our dedication and commitment to the good.
My dears, we are at a serious time in our collective, historic American lives: I can’t just knit in a compartmentalized fiber halo — and no, I am not suggesting at all that you do – while our very lives are at stake.
I’ve never been so worried and anxious in my life — and I have nothing on my mom’s (and dad’s) experience of growing up and living in the South in the 1940s, 50s and 60s: she did gift me her stories and fierce clarity about HOW my vote (for which she fought long before I existed) matters as a clear matter of life or death.
This is real, not hype.
Sending love
Also I’m sorry for derailing this lovely post bc I generally really like MDK’s content, but I like MDK enough that I wanted to be able to leave this feedback. I’m just sorry that it had to be at the expense of this beautiful pattern scout conversation!
if i was the half-owner of this company i’d go for ALL the colors. why settle for just two janes when you could showcase each one. pick a neutral as the MC and then a different fun pop for every row!
Surely many of us prefer V-neck sweaters when we can get them. Do you have anyone who could write a tech article on how to convert a round neck pattern to a v-necl?
Look up One Wild Designs. Jen helps people with that sort of thing.