Make 9 2019

bringing back the blog for one of my favourite times of year (which in German is so aptly called "between the years") - these slow, reflective days just before the year turns, which I use to look back on this past year, as well as plan and dream for the one ahead.

 Last year for the first time I decided to participate in the Make 9 challenge. At the beginning of the year I picked 9 projects that I wanted to make (in my case, mostly knit) for my handmade wardrobe. In the end, I didn't get even a little bit close to finishing this project. I ended up with 4 finished items for myself (not counting hats and socks) and two of these weren't even on my original Make 9 grid. But what did happen through my participation in this project is that I got waaaaay more intentional about what I was knitting. I knit from my stash, including a few lonely skeins that I was really unsure how to use. Even the two projects that were rather impulsively cast on (my Tegna and Arboreal) were still carefully considered as I had to remove a project from my Make 9 grid each time to accomodate the cast on. The result is that I'm happier with my finished items than I've been in awhile. 

And so it only seemed natural to me to continue on with this format for 2019. I thought through the items that were left on my grid at the end of this year, and picked a few to carry over, while letting go of some others. Then I thought through the current holes in my wardrobe. For me this is summer tops that I love and feel comfortable in, and basic, workhorse sweaters for every day wear. With this in mind, I've created a loose Make 9 for 2019, with more summer knits, basic sweaters and a few shawls just for fun! 

I suppose I should mention that I didn't include any socks here- but that doesn't mean I won't be knitting them! Socks are a HUGE hole in my handmade wardrobe and I've always got a pair or two in the works in the background, I just decided to go ahead and leave them off this list. I've also got a few projects (commissions, samples & gifts mostly) that I'll be working on this year that will take precedence to the Make 9 projects, so we'll see how it goes! But as I said above, I'm honestly not concerned at all about finishing all these items- I'm more concerned about making within the guidelines that they provide and keeping the mindfulness I was able to introduce to my knitting life this past year. 

So here's my Make 9 projects for this year:

1. Weekender Sweater (designed by Andrea Mowry & knit in Homestead, the new base from my own little company, r&s yarn!)

I've already cast this on (this morning actually!) and I'm super excited to have this basic, staple, every day sweater in my wardrobe.

2. Stokur Shawl (designed by Melody Hoffman)

This is a carry-over from last year's Make 9 grid. As much as I love triangle shaped shawls, I tend to wear longer, wrap-style shawls a lot more frequently. I love the simplicity of this design as I think it will make it easy to wear, without of course being plain. I'm thinking of trying out Tukuwool Fingering (which I've been dying to get my hands on) but I'm stuck on a color!

3. Lucinda Pullover (designed by Carrie Hoge, from Madder Anthology 2 and knit in Moeke yarns Elena)

I've just finished the body on this and am about to separate for the sleeves. While in Canada this summer, I decided to purchase a sweater's quantity of Elena for my only stash enhancement and although it's a bit thinner than the yarn the pattern calls for, I really thought they would be a good match. Fingers crossed I can get the fit right on this one!

4. Something from the Making Stories Stripes collection! (pictured here is the Stripur pullover)

This photo is a bit of a placeholder as I've not yet decided which of the designs I'm going to make from this collection first. I plan to make both Stripur, the pullover pictured here as well as the Rayure pullover at some point. Though I'm thinking that I might end up doing Suora or Juova this year (both tops) as that will help me fill out my wardrobe hole a little better. I'll be definitely using Lino Muka linen yarn for either of those tops, and for the pullovers would probably pick the Silke Tweed from Magazin Duett. But again, this is a bit of a wildcard pick so I'm going to have to consider it a bit further.

5. Telja Sweater (by Knit Love Wool, shown here knit by Colleen of Postscript Love in Lettlopi)

While in Iceland I purchased a sweater's quantity of Lettlopi to make this sweater in a very similar color palate to Collen's version pictured above. I'm excited to turn this very special yarn into a sweater that will remind me of our trip, though I don't think I'll be getting to this project for quite a few months yet. 

6. Plumetis Shawl (by Melody Hoffman)

While on the hunt for a project to use up a lonely skein in my stash I stumbled upon this shawl and fell in love! The skein I was hoping to use up is an off-white skein of Manos Del Uruguay Milo, a mix of wool & linen. I think it will pair perfectly with Purl Soho's Linen Quill, which I'd love to get a skein of this spring while in New York. So I can use up my stash as well as add in a skein of souvenir yarn, which feels like a double win.

7. Bobbie (by Pam Allen, knit in Quince & Co Willet)

I've honestly loved this design ever since it was first released a few years ago, but I must admit that I completely forgot about it. I'm mostly drawn to the woollier, cold-weather knits and this pullover just wasn't on my radar. But I'm glad I discovered it while going through my Pinterest boards to create this grid, as I think it's the perfect transitional piece and will help me add another summery top to my wardrobe. I'd really love to knit this in Willet, which is Quince's line of cleaner cotton (most likely in Mast & Windlass or Sail) so hopefully I can get my hands on that somewhere here in Europe!

8. Sauvabelin (by Jessica Gore, knit in r&s Origin)

Another carry-over project from last year's Make 9. I really really want this sweater, so I'm hoping I can carve out some time to knit on it once we get our shipment of Origin 2.0 sometime in 2019. 

9. Solano (by Stella Egidi from BREEZE, knit in Wollen Berlin's Lino Muka Lithuanian Linen yarn)

Ever since I first visited Wollen and saw their linen yarn line, I've wanted to make a sleeveless top. It's just taken me a bit of time to pick which one! I think I've settled on the Solano tunic, but I KNOW I've settled on the colorway Yellow Ochre for my top. I've excited to knit this up hopefully in time to wear all summer long! 

PS: I know there are no links in this post, but all these designs can be easily found through a Ravelry search. Also, if you're curious to see what else I knit in 2019, you can do so here.

Project Planning: what to do with a skein or two of Origin

Wondering what you could do with just one or two skeins of Origin? Personally I think you've got a ton of options- our yarn is a dk weight, and I've found through knitting with it personally that it actually lends itself quite well to a wide range of projects and patterns. Here's a little round up of what I've been knitting (and am planning to knit!) using Origin:

One Skein Projects:

Obviously some of my very VERY favorite projects are the patterns my friends designed specifically for Origin. You may remember the Lahn Hat, designed by Verena of The Wool Club for our shop launch. I absolutely adore my Lahn hat- it's the warmest, coziest hat I've ever knit and I wore it all winter long. You can view and purchase that pattern here.

And then there are of course the Waveform Mittens which were designed by Becky of Soprano Knits. These simple mitts are so cute and functional. They've quickly become a wardrobe staple for me. You can view and purchase that pattern here.

While we're on the subject of mittens, I also think the Moorland Mittens are a great match for Origin. This is a pattern I designed myself a few years ago and then knit up this fall using r&s mill spun yarn dyed with walnuts. It's another simple "workhouse" mitten pattern- just the thing to pair with our yarn.

If you've got children (or are interested in knitting for a friend's little one) I've also seen some really lovely versions of the Naturkinder Cough Shirt and I think our cream color way would be soft enough to make this for a toddler or young child. I've got to get one on the needles for my own little one soon! 

Another good project (one that my friend Simone of Ink & Soil made with her skein of Origin) is the Middle Fork hat, a pattern available in the Tolt Yarn and Wool Ravelry store here.

And finally, something I discovered when working on my Arboreal pullover (pictured above) is that Origin lends itself super well to mixing in with other dk or worsted weight yarn in color work. This is a really great way to use our yarn with something you already have in your stash to create something amazing! (In my sweater I've paired it with Gilliat from one of my favorite yarn companies- De Rerum Natura)

Two or more Skeins:

One project I'd really like to knit out of a skein of Origin is the Winter Morning socks by my friend Jess from Shop La Mercerie. Ever since Jess published this pattern I've been itching to cast it on. I think the cream colorway would be a perfect main color, with a second mini skien naturally dyed for the contrast? (I'll be offering naturally dyed skeins in the shop coming up soon, or you could try your hand at it yourself!)

Personally I am DREAMING of a shawl in Origin. There are several that I think would work really well and one of my very favorite options is the Regen Shawl designed by Shannon Cook. This shawl takes just 3 skeins of dk weight yarn so if you've got a skein or two already, you could consider stopping by our next shop update to get a few more to make the project. 

And finally- sweaters! I'm planning to make both Waldi and I a sweater out of this first run of Origin. Waldi's will be the Fort sweater by Jared Flood in grey (pictured above). For myself I'm dreaming of Sauvabelin (from WOODS) in cream. Can't wait to cast on.

If you've got a skein of Origin (or are thinking about purchasing one in our shop update next Thursday) and are wondering what projects would be good, or just want to chat about what to cast on please do get in touch with me (hello@raincloudandsage.com) I'd love love LOVE to chat project planning with you. 

on slow fashion & handmade wardrobes

 my finished Rosemont (designed by knitbot and made using De Rerum Natural wool)

This post has been a long time coming. For real. Slow fashion and handmade wardrobes popped onto my radar a few years back and I've not been able to shake the idea- planted like a seed in my mind. The truth is, for several years I've felt a bit of a disconnect between my values, ideas, goals and my wardrobe. For several years, I've sat back from this conversation a little, not sure of where I fit or if I have anything of value to add to it. 

And while I am still far from perfect in this area, a few things have happened recently that have really changed things for me.

The first thing is that I discovered mending. Over the summer I started doing a little bit of visible mending, inspired mostly by Sashiko, and the Japanese tradition of Boro, which is mending your clothes using Sashiko embroidery techniques and pieces of other clothes. So far this has mostly been jeans, but I'm working on mending a wool cardigan right now and it's such a blast. I also started altering clothes a little (mostly small things, like cutting the arms off a button down to make it sleeveless and that sort of thing.) 

an example of my visible mending, on my most favorite jeans

This has been HUGE for me. Because I neither own a sewing machine nor have the ability to sew more than a straight line, I always felt that any sort of handmade wardrobe I could have would be rather lopsided (in a word: knitwear). Mending and altering has given me so many more options for using what I have and changing it to fit my needs.

Along with this, I'd say over the past year I've just gathered a little more awareness about what goes into making clothes. This includes "fast fashion" or clothes that are made in a way that is harmful to the planet and our fellow humans but for me it goes so far beyond this. I've learned through starting up my yarn label that even textiles that are ethically produced, with care to the environment, still require so much work and go through quite the process to be transformed into something useable.

I think in the past I would sometimes approach slow fashion practices with a bit of a fast fashion mindset. I'd go to the thrift store and pick something up that I didn't really need and only sort of liked, because it was second hand and well, because it was there. I would knit things without much thought to whether or not the colors or styles would fit in my wardrobe, whether the design was wearable for me, or whether it would stand the test of time and really last. 

a mix of long worn, handmade (by me and by other artisans), second hand, and mended clothing

So I'd say the other big thing that's shifted for me recently is embracing a more mindful approach to the clothing I acquire- including my handmade items. I've started trying to take responsibity for the items I bring into my wardrobe (how long will I be able to use this? what will happen to it when I don't want it anymore?), which includes both what I buy and make. 

How does this affect my knitting life? Well, I guess I'm trying to plan things out a little more- maybe even knit less (dare I say it?) so that I can knit better. I'm trying to identify the holes in both my own wardrobe (and in the wardrobes of my most knitworthy family and friends) and work towards mindfully filling those, by making garments that won't wear out quickly and can be used for a long time.

Of course (OF COURSE) I'm not perfect at this. And I do still think there is room for crazy, not quite utilitarian knitting projects just because they're fun -this is my hobby after all! But in general, I'm super happy about the direction I'm heading.

So onwards- towards mindfulness in making, and confidence in wearing my clothes every day! 



PS: if you're still here, here's a little list of the items I'm hoping to make for my wardrobe this year (this doesn't include socks because honestly? I want to make ALL THE SOCKS right now- I think this little collection has something to do with that!)

1. Sauvabellin sweater using raincloud and sage Origin
2. Little Twigs sweater using De Rerum Natura
3. Shoreline Cardigan using Quince & Co Owl
4. Tegna OR Saco Stripes top using WOLLEN Berlin Lino Muka 
5. Hollows Shawl OR Ludlow scarf using De Rerum Natura 

a journey into knitting sweaters

I would love to call myself a serious sweater knitter. But the truth is I'm just not there yet.

Throughout my knitting "lifetime" I've knit four sweaters. (For myself- I've also knit a baby sized sweater and cardigan for C, but I won't touch on those today.) It's not a lot, believe me, I know. And it's nowhere near the number I'd planned to be at by now. 

But in looking back at these sweaters, there's a real journey- a story of my growth and improvement as a knitter. I thought I'd share a little bit more about each of those sweaters today: the good and the bad, the mistakes made and lessons learned, the serious successes. 

So without further ado, here are the four sweaters I've knit:

Pattern: Oatmeal sweater by Jane Richmond. 
(see my Ravelry Project Page here)

Yarn: Lion Brand thick & quick in the Oatmeal colorway

date made: December 2013

mistakes made & lessons learned: oh the mistakes I made with this sweater... I did not understand about gauge and the finished sweater (although you can't tell from the above photo) was so SO tight. I also didn't understand about substituting yarn and the yarn that I chose was not the weight that the pattern called for at all. So I learned a lot about the importance of these two elements in a pattern. However, this pattern is clear and concise and really helped me understand the technique to knitting a top down sweater and for that I'm grateful! 

final verdict: I didn't wear this sweater so I frogged it last summer. 

pattern: Lila by Carrie Bostick Hoge 
see my Ravelry project page here

yarn: Drops Lima 

date made: January-February 2015

mistakes made & lessons learned: I really really enjoyed knitting this sweater. I don't think I've ever taken as many WIP photos as I did with this project because I was having such a blast that I wanted to document every stage of the process. This was my first bottom up sweater and again I learned so much about sweater construction while knitting this. This was also my first try with short rows- they turned out quite sloppy actually. As did the neckline and the spots where I joined the sleeves at the armpits. I also didn't do a great job of finishing this and it's quite obvious where I wove in my ends. So I'd say I definitely learned about the importance of finishing. 

final verdict: I actually wear this sweater quite often, despite my sloppy knitting. I did the best I could at the time and am actually quite proud of the result. I wear it mostly with dresses or skirts but occasionally with jeans and a long top. I'd like to reknit this in a different yarn, maybe from the top down and add a bit of length to the body.

pattern: Lesley by Hannah Fetig (from the book Home and Away)
my Ravelry project page here

yarn: aran weight yarn from my Grandmother's stash

date made: July-August 2015

mistakes made & lessons learned: I LOVE this sweater. Not only was it so fun to knit while home over the summer in Canada but the end result is by far my most successful sweater. This was a retry of the top down raglan sweater style and I really hit my stride with this project.

final verdict: Though it's a little bulky I do wear this in both the Fall and early Spring where it's warm enough to go without a jacket but some extra warmth is still nice. I'd like to make a sweater like this again with maybe a dk weight yarn...

pattern: Tamborine by Julia Farwell Clay (from Pompom Issue 12)

see my Ravelry project page here

yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers (colorway Purple Brown)

date made: Winter 2015-2016

mistakes made & lessons learned: This was for sure my most challenging sweater project. A cardigan with embellishments and set-in sleeves, which were totally new to me. I'm very proud of this sweater, though I did make a few mistakes- the seaming on the sleeves isn't great and is quite visible when I don't wear my hair down to cover it, haha. Also I need to re-block this as the button band still rolls and a few of the button holes are missing (I blame pregnancy...) 

final verdict: I knit this in the first few months of pregnancy and by the time I finished there was no way I could button it up so I never sewed on any buttons. Though I do like wearing it open, I think it would be nice to have the option to at least partially button it (from the top or bottom...both sound fine) so I'd really like to get to that. 

Alright. There you have it. It's been over a year since my last sweater and I honestly don't really know why. I will say that I struggle with yarn affordability and access here in Marburg. But I'd really like to make plans to knit a few sweaters coming up. Top of my list is the Rosemont Cardigan (also from Home and Away) and a Fort sweater for Waldi. I'd also like to try Strokkur as my first serious colorwork project and (although it's not exactly a sweater) I'm also loving the Kinton top for Spring. 

pattern update: Dubliner Hat

So I have something very exciting to share with you today! This is my Dubliner Hat pattern. It was the first serious pattern I designed- the first one that wasn't a free tutorial via my blog that is. I worked so SO hard on this design and have always felt really proud of it. 

I originally designed this hat as a gift for my friend Simone. We picked the yarn together- a lovely green color that we both fell in love with. But the truth is that this yarn was not a good choice for the hat. From the very beginning, I never felt that it allowed the design to show through at it's best. 

Now let me make myself clear: I am not a yarn snob. While I love knitting with wonderfully, wooly yarns with a story (and would definitely hug a few sheep if I got the chance) I simply cannot afford to be always knitting with this kind of yarn. Nor do I want to be, if I'm honest. There are some big box yarns that I really enjoy working with (hellooo Patons Kroy sock!) and I'm not ashamed to admit this. Generally speaking, I quite like both the Lima and Nepal yarns from Drops but this hat was first made using Drops Alaska and I just gotta say... it wasn't what I'd hoped. 

Re-knitting this design has been on my project list for ages, and I had a skein of Cascade 220 Heathers kicking around in my stash left over from my Tamborine Cardigan. I decided to add a fold up brim to the design, but this is of course totally optional. At the very last minute, I decided to use the left overs of my Insouciant Fibers Jacob wool (after knitting a pair of baby Rye socks for C) to make a Pom Pom and I love the marled look of it! (I've seen online that there are marled versions of the Cascade 220 Heathers yarn that would also work really well for this, though I still love this hat without the pompom...)

So anyhow. I'm excited to let you know that the updated version of this pattern is now finished and available on Ravelry. If you've already ordered this pattern in the past, you should have already received your updated copy. And if you'd like to knit this design I'm offering 20% off until the end of October, just because. Use the code isleofskye16 (which is where these photos were, of course, taken) when checking out on Ravelry here to take advantage of the discount.

Happy Knitting! 

Slow Fashion October: a late introduction

It's taken me almost the entire first half of this month to gather up the courage to write this post. Let me be perfectly clear: I love Slow Fashion October and all that it stands for. I think Karen Templer is brilliant, for pulling this community together and giving us all a chance to add our voice and story to this complex (but oh so important) topic. And deep down, I truly believe that this conversation should be an inclusive one- there is room for everyone here, whether you make your own jeans or are just beginning to think about where your clothes come from and where they're going after you're done with them. 

Most of us I'm sure, fall somewhere between those two ends of the spectrum. It was in my early 20's that I first started thinking about who made my clothes and how they were treated in the process. I remember I made a commitment to only purchase second hand clothing for one year and around the same time I learned to knit. Slowly my wardrobe evolved and eventually I started investing in well made pieces of known origin, either from small independent makers & designers or from brands offering transparency and trying to find a better way in this industry. My making also evolved as I graduated from knitting simple accessories to more complex garments, and figured out which handmade items would fit well into my life and style. I learned more about how yarn is made and made purchases accordingly. The more I learned about the world of "slow fashion", the more confidence I felt in the items I owned and wore, the more momentum I gained in talking about this topic. I helped organize clothing swaps here in Marburg, worked to increase awareness for known origin clothing and started my #wearhandmadeproject to encourage myself both to wear the handmade items I already owned and to consciously think about how the items I was making would fit into my life.

And then came last October. I was so excited for Slow Fashion October to kick off and wrote this post with the best intentions. But I had just found out about my pregnancy (we took that photo the actual day we found out for sure) and I was dealing with major first trimester hormones. I spent most of that month eating cereal on the couch and watching Modern Family with Waldi, fighting nausea and leaving the house whenever he was cooking something so I wouldn't have to smell it. There was no knitting or mending being done and I took a backseat and didn't join in the conversation much at all. 

Over the next weeks and months as my body grew a baby, I struggled with what to wear. Honestly, I don't know if maybe I just had the wrong kind of clothes to begin with (since many women never really need maternity clothes) but I really struggled to make what I had work. I borrowed items where I was able to and even made two dresses that worked with my growing belly but I have bought more new clothing in the past year than I did in the five years previous to that. And I felt guilty about it. 

Of course, you do not need maternity jeans or nursing tank tops to successfully have a baby but I was so grateful to have them. In the end, I felt proud of the small maternity wardrobe I built for myself from borrowed and new items. I plan, of course, to wear it all again should I have another pregnancy and to lend out what I have to friends, should they be in need of it. 

And then came postpartum. 

I've written about this before, but I struggled with unexpected body issues both in pregnancy and post birth. Those early weeks and months postpartum, I really struggled with how unrecognizable my body felt to me. Nothing fit anymore- my maternity jeans were too big, all my other pants too small and when I finally could fit into some of them, they were so completely unflattering. And so once again I found myself buying new clothes. I tried where I could to make ethical purchases, but that didn't always happen. 

Enter this year's Slow Fashion October (I know...finally!)

I've been hesitant to enter this conversation because, while so many people have grown and made improvements since last year's event, I have gone in the opposite direction. It would be easier to just let this all pass me by and not think about it. 

But if I truly believe that there is room for everyone in this conversation, then I guess I have to speak up and share my story too. Because this issue is still important to me, although this year of my life has looked different from any before it. I still want to make better choices, to wear my clothes with confidence and to feel good about where they've come from and where they're going. And deep down, I believe that this shouldn't be about guilt.

And so, I'm joining in and adding my voice, in the hopes that I will learn something and maybe encourage someone else along the way. These photos are from our time on the Isle of Skye- I'm wearing my Lesley pullover that I made last summer from yarn my grandmother purchased years ago but never got around to using. And I'm wearing the first pair of jeans I bought postpartum- a fast fashion purchase but the first pair of pants I found that fit and were actually flattering to my new body. It's all a mess and a bit of a contradiction but it's where I'm at. And I'm not going to let guilt stop me from taking part in this discussion or making better decisions in the future.

I'll stop there for today because this is turning into a serious ramble but I do have one more post planned on this topic, to discuss Karen's weekly themes: long worn, handmade and known origin. And there are some projects in the works which I'm sure I'll share about at some point. But for today, it just feels good to get all this out. If you made it this far, thanks for reading. AND make sure to check out the conversation surrounding Slow Fashion October either over on Karen's blog or the hashtag on Instagram (#slowfashionoctober)

for the love of a good pair of socks

it's no secret that I love to knit socks. I have no idea where this love comes from, it wasn't something I ever expected to enjoy, but I just can't help it. Socks are seriously most likely my all-time very favorite project to have on my needles.

there's just something about a good pattern, and scrumptious sock yarn that is so soothing. Knitting at it's finest, in my humble opinion.

I know that sock knitting isn't for everyone (though I've tried my hand at converting more than a few knitters to the dark side..ha!). But incase you're like me and can't resist casting on ALL the socks, I thought I would share with you a few of my very favorite sock projects that have made it so far into my sock drawer, as well as a few that I'm just dying to try my hand at. 

Blueberry Waffle Socks: pattern // my project

Okay, so these are the socks pictured above. It's a free pattern on Ravelry which I used the stitch pattern from and then simply plugged in my own numbers for how I like my socks. The yarn I used was hand dyed by an indie dyer here in Germany and purchased at a Flea Market last summer.

Hermione's Everyday Socks: pattern // my project

I made these about a year ago, and they were the first pair of socks that I made and really loved. Again, this is a free pattern on Ravelry and let's get real here- it feels like everyone has knit these socks! I knit mine in a deep burgundy-colored Regia, as the color seemed Griffindor-ish to me ;)

Irish Oats: pattern // my project

This is the first Cabin Four sock design I've made, but really I could knit them all. Denise is a master at designing cozy and appealing socks. I feel like a lot of her patterns would even appeal to decided non-sock knitters, so if that's you, you should check them out!

Mulberry Stripes: yarn // my project

My parents sent me some Patons Kroy sock yarn from Canada as a gift last spring and I absolutely adore it. The first pair of socks I made were my Mulberry Stripes socks, and while they're still my favorite, I've loved every pair I've made with this yarn (see here and here). Honestly, the yarn knits up into a really cozy, slightly thicker pair of socks making them perfect for wearing at home. And the colors are, in my opinion, fantastic. (I don't use a pattern for these, just the numbers I have for both Waldi and my foot sizes)

Rye: pattern

Again, this is a very popular free pattern on Ravelry. I made a little pair for Baby Werwai around Christmas time but I've not yet gotten around to photographing them and putting them up on Ravelry. I'm seriously debating making a pair for myself so we can match, haha. Mostly because I think the pattern is just so lovely.

Fika: pattern // my project

So this is my current WIP and I'm loving it. The pattern is from Pompom Quarterly Issue 12, which is last Spring's edition and quite honestly, everything about this project has me in the mood for spring. I'm using YOTH yarns Little Brother in the Honeydew Melon colorway (pictured above) and I'm so happy to have found a pattern that is deserving of this incredibly special yarn. There's cashmere in it you guys- I'm making myself a pair of cashmere socks, haha. If that's not luxury, then I don't know what is!

Arne & Carlos Self Striping Socks: yarn

I picked a skein of this yarn up in Vancouver, in the Summer Night colorway and I've been dying to cast on ever since. I first saw it on Dianna Walla's Instagram and just thought it was the most beautiful sock yarn ever. I'm planning on doing my own basic vanilla sock pattern, though I'm playing with the idea of doing an interesting cast on for the cuff (like in Dianna's photo). It's next on the list after I've cast off my Fika socks for sure. 

Firenze: pattern

I bought this pattern ages ago (like months and months) and attempted it in the YOTH yarn early last Fall. I didn't get too far with it, as the yarn just wasn't right, and the stitch pattern, while gorgeous, was just a little too complicated for my newly-pregnant self. So I frogged it. But I still love this pattern (insert all the heart-eyed emojis here) and really REALLY want to have these socks, so I'm hoping to get to it at some point in the not too distant future. 

Morning Light: pattern

This is another one of Denise's lovely designs that has been in my queue since casting off Irish Oats last spring. I love how the cables mirror each other and I'd love even more to try it in Quince and Co chickadee, which is the yarn the pattern calls for. I knit a cardigan for Baby Werwai out of this yarn about a month ago, and it was so soft and delicious, I can only imagine what wonderful socks it would make. 

Climb: pattern

So, I have a confession. Every single pair of socks on this list is knit cuff down, with a heel flap & gusset. In fact, I've only ever knit socks in this way. So I figured this list needed to include at least one pair that will challenge me to learn a few new techniques. I'm very curious about short row heels and it only seems natural, as a dedicated sock knitter to try a pair of toe-up socks eventually. I'd love to do this in solid colors, similar to those in the photo. But it will probably be awhile before I get here, so I guess I've got ample time to come up with a plan :)


okay, that's enough rambling about socks- for now. for those of you who still can't get enough, here's a link to my Pinterest board all about knitted socks!

and if you're a sock knitter I would love love LOVE to hear your favorite patterns & yarns! 

a long overdue FO: Tambourine Cardigan

Today I am so SO excited to share that I have finally finished my Tambourine Cardigan. I am of course even more excited to have this project off my needles and in circulation in my wardrobe! 

This cardigan started out just a small seed of an idea, at JJ Bean on Main Street in Vancouver with my mom. I remember drinking iced coffees and doing crossword puzzles while I debated what colour yarn to buy before returning to the yarn shop to purchase. 

That was back in August, shortly before I flew back to Germany. I cast on this project at the beginning of October and originally had the idea of finishing it as a Slow Fashion October goal. Obviously that didn't happen, but I am happy to have it done now. I got quite bogged down with all the stocking stitch in the middle of the body, and knitting with such a dark coloured yarn didn't help matters.

In the end, I am so so pleased with the finished result, colour and all. This was my first cardigan, and my first sweater with set-in sleeves. I am loving how they look and was surprised to discover that they really aren't that hard, if you don't mind seaming (which as of recently, I don't). I decided to seam my sweater before blocking, but thinking back on that now, I would probably reverse that order for the next time, and block each piece individually. 

I think this may just well be my very favorite thing I've ever knit. There really is only one step left- choosing and sewing on the buttons. I am thinking of going with small wooden buttons, as I think they'll stand out and complement the yarn nicely. 

However, I am not going to be wearing this cardigan buttoned anytime soon (with that 22 week bump growing) so I'm taking my time and hoping to stumble across the perfect buttons soon. In the meantime, I've knit a small band with the leftover yarn so that I can tie the sweater closed above my bump if it's a little chilly. 

This pattern is from the 2015 Spring edition of Pompom Quarterly. If you're curious you can find my Ravelry project page (and links to the pattern) here

Also, now that I've knit one cardigan I'm already dreaming of the next. I mentioned before that I've got Rosemont in my queue and recently I've been dreaming about (if not seriously considering...) this.

2015 Knitting Highlights

2015 has been a great year for knitting and fiber pursuits. It's amazing to me to look at this post from last year and see how much I've grown and how many of the ideas I had actually became reality. I suppose the biggest letdown from this year is how my Wear Handmade Project dropped off in the last 6 months. I have one project for every month from Jan-June, one for July & August, and one (unfinished) cardigan for the last four months of the year. But I'm deciding to focus on the positive and what did go well this year. Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Sweaters 

I mentioned at the beginning of the year that I was hoping to make a few sweaters and even a cardigan. I managed two full sweaters: Lila from Carrie Hoge and Lesley from Hannah Fetig's book Home and Away. I adore both of them, and am really pleased with my choice of both patterns and yarn. And of course, I have my in progress Tamborine Cardigan. I've got most of the body and one sleeve finished, so I'm hoping to buckle down and just get it done. 

2. de-stashing and (mindfully) re-stashing 

Learning more about the wool I'm using was also on my list of things to do this year. I'm happy to say that I was able to successfully de-stash this spring to make room for new yarn. I turned some of the yarn into a scrappy crochet blanket for our home and gave the rest away. Then over the months, I slowly and mindfully built up a new stash. I discovered several new-to-me yarns this year. You can read about a few of my favorites here. 

3. designing and releasing new patterns

This year I released two big patterns, the Moorland Mitts and Rain City Hat. I also re-released an edited version of my Archery Mitts and published the Islander Cowl as a free Ravelry download. I'm really proud of this work, and feel like I found my voice a bit more as a designer. I actually have a fully finished design hibernating since I got pregnant. I've just got to do the final edits, format and photos so hopefully I can share that soon.

4. knitting with my mom over the summer

This was one of the highlights of my whole year, fiber related or not. I will always cherish the mornings I spent over the summer knitting with my mom on the porch, the sun just warming up and the coffee plentiful. I worked on my Lesley sweater, some socks, and that new design I mentioned above. My mom knit the Lucinda sweater (again from Carrie Hoge), two pairs of self striping socks and probably a few other things I'm forgetting- she's a speedy knitter. 

5. visiting Tolt Yarn and Wool

I will always remember the road trip with my mom and sister to visit Tolt with fondness. Even my sister, who doesn't knit, could see at first glance how special this place is. It was a really incredible moment to be able to finally visit in person. You can read the post about our visit here.

6. learning to spin

I've written about this extensively before but learning to spin from my Auntie, with her old tools was just amazing. I've also had a lot of fun since then expanding my knowledge and practicing my spinning technique. 

7. building connections and collaborating

This was something my heart longed for at the turn of last year. Though it took some courage, I reached out in this community and built some real and lasting connections for which I am very grateful. I've so enjoyed starting the interview series here on the blog, working with test knitters on bettering my patterns, and writing guest posts for others. One amazing moment for me was when my Rain City hat pattern was used in a knitting workshop at Toska Studio. These connections are really what sustain this amazing community and I'm so happy to have been able to be involved where I could be. 

So what's next for the following year? Well, I've got a list of baby knitting I'm hoping to get to in the next few months. I'm planning to finish my cardigan and cast on a second project from Home and Away. I'm also really hoping to finally learn about color work. I'll keep practicing my spinning and continue with my humble interview series. And I'd love to get that pattern released as well as work on an idea I have for a pair of socks. 

What are you guys hoping to knit up this year? 

Slow Fashion October Introductions

So I realize I'm a little late, but I wanted to officially talk here on the blog about Slow Fashion October. This is a topic that's close to my heart- it's one of the reasons why I learned to knit and it's a big part of my non-knitting life too. I've got big plans for the month (goals & projects, events and guest posts) but for now I wanted to take it back to the beginning and talk about my own personal story and what I'm hoping to get out of the next month.

The above photo is from yesterday, talking an Autumn walk with Waldi to meet some friends for all-you-can-eat Chinese food. (Yum!) Though the cropping is a little unfortunate, I really feel like this outfit sums up where I'm at in my journey towards slow fashion. It contains examples of (or opportunities for) each of the following categories:

handmade: 
ok so obviously, I'm wearing my favorite Lila sweater, which, along with that cowl in my bag (the Stockholm Scarf by Julie of Knitted Bliss) is my most worn handmade item. I'm also wearing my Archery mitts, which was one of the first things I ever designed. I feel like these three items really show my progress in knitting garments- I've slowly expanded from making simple accessories, to garments and wardrobe staples that I wear often. I've also really started looking at where my yarn comes from and how it was made. Over the past year, I've been working diligently to build up my handmade wardrobe, and have been learning tons about what kinds of patterns I wear, and what kinds I don't. 

My monthly wear handmade project has been a huge help in this learning process. You can read more about that here. Some of these patterns have been huge successes and others have not fit at all into my wardrobe, but it's all about the process. I'll share an update on this project later in the month with some more details. But for now I'll just say that handmade is carving out a bigger place in my wardrobe all the time. 


ethical/traceable origins:
this is something that I've learned more about in the past year or so. Obviously, being a knitter, there are huge gaps in my handmade wardrobe- things I can't make and need to find alternatives for. I would love at some point to support crafters and small batch makers through Etsy or locally but for now I've started with learning about the different Fair Trade logos and companies that pay their workers a fair wage for their work. So far I've purchased from People Tree, Good Society, Armed Angels and Stanley & Stella. Mostly basics like tee shirts, sleeveless shirts, socks, jeans and a dress. Slow, but it's a start. 


second hand:
This was one of the first alternatives to "fast" fashion that I discovered and explored. While I have backed away from it over the past few years, I still do enjoy looking through thrift stores, or attending clothing swaps every now and then in search of a perfect item for my wardrobe. What I don't like about this is that there tends to be very little control over what kinds of items can be found- I've been known to impulse buy things that I end up just not wearing. But on the other hand, a few of my favorite cardigans (and that bag!) were second hand finds, so it can work out in your favor. 


mended: (or in need of mending)
this is something I really need to get better at. I have a few very loved items in my wardrobe that I wear constantly (that jacket, for one, as well as my favorite fair trade jeans) that are in desperate need of a little mending. One of my goals for this month is to patch the holes in those jeans and sew elbow patches on the jacket, where it's starting to look very threadbare. While this isn't something I have a lot of experience in, I'm hoping to gain confidence and learn to mend clothes in a way that both looks good, and prolongs their wearability.  


in need of replacement:
Ok, so this final category is basically one big area where I need to grow. Since I started caring about where my clothes come from, I obviously have been buying less clothes. This means there are some items still in rotation that are in desperate need of replacement. The problem is, I have yet to learn where & how I can purchase these ethically. The shoes in the above photo (and really all 5 of my pairs of shoes...yes, I own 5 pairs) are in need of replacement. So I suppose another goal is to do some research on where to find traceable, high quality replacements for those items that need to be swapped out. 


Wow. That was a ramble. I wasn't sure when I started typing what this post was going to turn into, but I feel like it's a really good introduction to where I'm at, and what I'm hoping to get out of the next month. 

You can find all the info on Slow Fashion October on Karen's blog here and follow on Instagram for more frequent updates here. I'm so excited for what this month will bring! There's so much to make, learn and do!