Showing posts with label manos del uruguay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manos del uruguay. Show all posts

Handmade Monday: Grace Akhrem Trunk Show!

by : Unknown




Sharkey models the Silver Lining Tunic in Shibui Linen and Chain Mail (reversible!) Cami in Habu Textiles Rayon
The best perk of being a Reno local?

Springtime, ring-a-ding-a-ding time. Sweet things come from the sunshine.
(Thank you, Willy Wonka, for those eternal words of wisdom).
Reversible Tangled Branches Cowl
Left (on Jenny): long version in Tosh DK - Amber Trinket
Right (on Olivia): short version in Becoming Art Cielo Sport - Cedar
The trunk shows at JBW.

We're so glad we live here.
Seaweed Scarf
On Jenny: large size made with Anzula For Better or Worsted in Mauve
On Olivia: striped version made with Koigu KPM



 No, I'm not kidding. 

 How could I be? They're like touchable fashion shows full of delicious, knitterly garments. 

 Yum!
Triangles, Diamonds, and Squares, Oh My! 
No, really, that's what it's called.


This month, we were graced (*snicker* see what I did there?) by the amazing Grace Akhrem trunk show. Just take a look at the gorgeous wearability of these pieces - they're all you need for a complete wardrobe makeover, especially since many of them can be worn in multiple ways!

As motivation to try one of these great knits, why not join the Silver Lining KAL on Ravelry? Everybody needs a beautiful tunic this summer. Who says so?

I do, of course. And, your mom would tell you the same, I just know it.

And we all must listen to our moms. Sometimes. Well, with Mother's Day coming up and all.

But seriously, the Silver Lining Tunic is just perfect for summer layering. Knit up in light and airy Shibui Linen, you'll wish you had two. Or ten! Do it. The KAL starts April 13th on Ravelry!

Clockwise from top: Crashing Waves in Road to China Light in Peridot and Smoky Quartz (striped), and Madelinetosh Prairie in Stovepipe (could also sub Dirty Panther); Tangled Branches Hat in Tosh DK in Jade; Seaweed Scarf (worsted version - Pagewood Farm Alyeska 5); Buttoned Lace Cowl in Pagewood Farm Alyeska Hand-dyed Sock


 You're welcome.  ;)

 And that's not all: we have a SUPER special event planned for May!

 Wait for it...

 Grace Akhrem is coming to Jimmy Beans! On May 2nd and 3rd, we'll be hosting Grace for a "meet & greet", plus (squee!) she's going to teach some fun classes at the shop!

 I guess maybe THAT's the best perk of being a Reno local! But even if you're not one, you are more than welcome to join as well - mark your calendars and stay tuned for details on how to sign up! Think of it as a mini-vacation, with yarn, gorgeous designs, and knitters everywhere.

 Sounds like my kind of thing. 

 I'll see you there!


Sprouting Leaves Cowl
On Jenny: large version, Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, color 25
On Olivia: small version, Pagewood Farm Suisitna in Grasshopper






























In the meantime, stop by before April 12th to see all the great garments before they're gone! 

Reversible Tangled Branches Cowl
On Jenny: long version in Tosh DK - Amber Trinket
On Olivia: short version in Becoming Art Cielo Sport - Cedar















You might even get to hang around with these gals.  






Olga's Vest
On Jenny: medium size, Tosh Merino Light in Saffron
On Olivia: large size, Sweet Georgia Silk Crush in Goldmine
held together with Rowan Kidsilk Haze








              








 If you want.









Happy Knitting!
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Summertime Project Inspiration!

by : KristenJBW
Memorial Day, along with it's honoring of our country's lost soldiers, for many represents a transition into the summer season with it's outdoor activities, BBQ's, travel, and other fun warm-weather activities. It's hard to believe that summer is almost here!

 I don't know about most of you, but when this warm weather hits, the last thing I want to be knitting on is a heavy woolen sweater or blanket, which is why I thought it might be nice to put together a list of items that would be warm weather appropriate and/or easy to travel with!

 First up, garments. I'm refraining from knitting any of these lovelies until after I have this baby in July (hah, as if I'll actually have time to knit after that!), but I love each and every one of them. :)

 This Togue Pond Tank by Pam Allen was originally knit in Quince and Co's Kestral, but since we aren't able to carry their yarn, I've got a great substitute! Berroco just came out with a similar linen-blend yarn called Linus, which would be perfect for this simple tank. I love the easy fit combined with the dropped back hem which makes the shape that much more modern. So pretty! 



 The Gemini top by Jane Richmond (free on Knitty) is a great summer-weight tee! Knit in a DK weight cotton linen blend, this one can be knit in a number of different yarns! My picks would be either the Juniper Moon Farm Zooey, which would lend the pattern a little bit of texture, or the Rowan Creative Linen for a smooth and simple linen cotton blend. Either one would be lovely for this easy yet lovely tee.


I stumbled across this Shibui "Tank" on Ravelry and I couldn't help but love the simple shape and of course the pockets. Knit in Shibui Linen, this top is lightweight, simple, and perfect for wearing all summer long. Not only that, the light weight yarn won't weigh you down in the summer heat.


One item I don't often consider knitting is a skirt. I'm not really sure why, but I think I'm more worried about ruining a skirt than any other garment, so I don't think about putting the work into that large of a project. That said, the Amaranthus Skirt knit in Juniper Moon Farm Findley and Findley Dappled makes me want to change my tune. Isn't this thing stunning!?!? Two gauzy layers of lace, one solid and one variegated with a lace pattern, and this thing really swings.  

Last up in the garments category is Janna's Tunic by Grace Akhrem. This feminine tank features some cute neckline pleating and button details at the hip that make it truly unique. Classic Elite's Firefly or Bella Lino yarns would be perfect for this design which calls for a sport weight linen blend yarn. If you want a solid color, the Firefly is a good bet, whereas the Bella Lino provides some gentle self-striping throughout.
Now onto some smaller projects, perfect for weekend getaways, longer travel, camping trips, and just about anything else you can think of! 

 If you are anything like me, you've got about a thousand single skeins of fingering weight yarn just lying around in your knitting stash. (Ok, well maybe not a thousand, but certainly a lot.) The Multnomah Shawlette, free on Ravelry, is the perfect one-skein shawl project that can help to knock out some of those single skeins. It takes about 412 yds, and is a simple project that you can easily do while hanging with friends or doing any other activity that doesn't require a lot of concentration. It also makes a great gift...just in case you are so inclined to begin working on some holiday knitting.

 Don't have a lot of fingering weight in your stash? Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Manos del Urugury Alegria, Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock, and Cascade Heritage Silk Paints are all great options for this shawl!

Prefer knitting socks, but find your normal wool socks are too much for your summer shoes? Then these cute little knit peds - or called Skimmer Socks are perfect for wearing with all of your summer shoes! (Sandals more your thing? Check out this designer's other sock patterns. She's got plenty of toeless options to choose from too!) There is no project more portable than socks, and these are quick and easy. Plus, since you need less yarn, you can get away with just about 50 grams of sock yarn like 1 skein of Koigu KPPPM or Spud & Chloe Fine!


Lastly, a blanket project that can be knit square by square is another great summertime travel project. Since one little square doesn't weigh you down, you can knit them throughout the season and then sew the whole thing together when the weather gets cool again. I just love the Vivid Blanket from Tin Can Knits. The pattern is in the Handmade in the UK book, but it's also available for single PDF download on Ravelry as well. What is great about this blanket (aside from how stunning it is), is that the pattern includes yardage requirements and measurements for 3 different weights of yarn so you can configure your blanket based on a weight you like to work with (or what you might have plenty of in your stash.) Personally, I like DK weights for summer knitting and also as a nice lighter weight for a throw. The HiKoo Simplicity is perfect for this design because it's just the right amount of yardage per skein to one square in the pattern, is machine washable, and comes in TONS of gorgeous colors. 
I hope these projects provide you with a little summertime knitting inspiration! I know I've got my work cut out for me. :) In the meantime, enjoy your holiday weekend and happy knitting, crocheting, or crafting of your choice!

 -Kristen

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More about Hand Dyed Yarns...

by : Freaky Knitter
With so many colors, dyers and options out there, it's hard to know where to start with all of the beautiful hand dyed yarns on the market these days. And then, of course, there is the issue with keeping the 'lots' consistent.  Many hand dyed yarns do not have dye lots (Madeline Tosh, for instance, or Manos Del Uruguay yarns) so we have done a lot of work for all you about this great topic. You can find more information on how to work with hand dyed yarns and which companies we are currently carrying in our line-up right here on our very own Guide to Hand Dyed Yarns page!



Sandy's Dragon, alternating every 2 rows!
When I first started knitting and working with hand dyed yarns, I have to admit I was totally clueless about what yarns would do what, but after sometime now I think I am getting the hang of things. We have recently started a very small internal KAL with some great Madeline Tosh sock yarn in Filigree! The term KAL is used a bit loosely as we are all just using the same yarn but different patterns! There are four of us involved: Sandy, Sharon, Terry and yours truly! Two of us are working one pattern while the other two are working on something else.

Sharon's Dragon, just going for it...go Sharon!


However, due to some extreme color differences in this particular yarn, we decided to use this opportunity to mix it up a bit and show you how we are working through the differences to make the colors flow together for each project. Even though Sandy and Sharon have chosen the same project, they are approaching the issue of color differences in the same yarn a bit differently.

Terry's Martimonia Bolero, alternating every 2 rows
Sandy and Sharon are working up a beautiful scarf out of the most current Piecework magazine. Sandy is alternating 2 rows of one ball of Filigree and 2 rows of another while carrying the yarn up the side of the piece. Sharon has decided to just let the stitches fall where they may and will be working with each ball until it is finished and then adding the next one to the piece. I love this idea and can't wait to see her scarf completed!

Terry is working up the Matrimonio Bolero and is using her yarn in rows of two, just like Sandy. I have finished my first Veyla by Ysolda Teague from Whimsical Little Knits 2. Since it is a smallish project, I worked the cuff by alternating the 9 row repeat with 2 different shades of the Filigree. I worked the hand portion in only one shade, but it is completely different from the other 2.

I will of course work the second mitt in the same manner, for a similar result. I don't know about you, but I love the surprise that comes from working with hand dyed yarns and with some planning you can create a truly beautiful piece!

As always, happy knitting and crocheting! (remodel update in the 4th week at least 2 more weeks to go, sigh, stay tuned)

Jeanne

P.S.- Sometimes the only way I can keep up with what's going on around the shop is to read our twice monthly Newsletters (really so much to know:), so if you aren't getting it I hope you will sign up and remember we never share you information!!


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