AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES Hurray! The British issue of @knitnow is out and I'm super happy because I can finally talk about the design I've got in it.
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Tylweth was inspired by the Mold Cape, a 4,000 year old gold artifact found in a Bronze age burial mound in Wales. Swipe right to see it - it now lives in the British Museum.
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There is actually a very clever cowl pattern (Bronze Age Capelet on Ravelry) that mimicks the artifact very closely, but I wanted to do something a bit more tangential, and designed some stitch patterns that echoed the shape of the original motifs. There are texture stitches in this design too, picking up on the relief effects in the original piece.
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I wanted to make a sweater that was super wearable, while paying tribute to the original, so this design is slightly oversized, with a cropped body and sleeves - basically a sweater - poncho hybrid, which means you can still wear a coat over it!
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It's knitted in Croft, an aran Shetland wool from @westyorkshirespinners that I've completely fallen for, in shades of indigo and ochre that would have been signs of wealth and power at the time, just as the Mold Cape itself was.
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I'm super grateful to @kateheppell for trusting me with this project, which started as a Twitter conversation that I got over excited about. Working from this source material made it a really interesting challenge and being part of the British issue makes it even more dear to me.
SO KLEUR-VER I never cease to be blown away by @sweaterspotter 's designs. I love how she challenges the norms of knitting and pushes the envelope of possibilities.
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Tech editing her Kleur shawl was a fascinating experience and a great example of why I love working with other designers, as well as on my own creations. I learn so much from these interactions and seeing a concept like this realised is so satisfying. Definitely one of my favourite patterns this year and top of my knit list for 2019.
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#Repost from @sweaterspotter with @regram.app ... KLEUR is the name of the new #shawl #knittingpattern that I’m excited to share with you to celebrate the start of 2019. ‘Kleur’ translates to ‘colour’ (from Dutch to English). The Quarter Wheel and Spines sections are #knitted in a striking spectrum of #naturaldyedyarn by @woollenflower (for which you can pop over to her shop for kits). The #natural #undyed black, white and grey are #ronasyarn from @garthenor, used for the Mitre Stripes (black and white) and External Curve (grey). My thanks also go to @muirandco for #knitting this sample for me. To @roseewoodland - our design-brains work in such different ways, it becomes a fascinating collaboration to work with her as a #techeditor. To @jenireid for the lush photos of @mmknitter modelling in her overalls on her allotment - they are what I’d dreamed of. Both @josefinast and @ladyrowena test #knitted, and Kristin also laid the pattern out. I’m so thrilled by how the unusual construction unfolds in this #garterstitch shawl. I can’t wait for you to try it and take you on a #knit adventure. You can find the pattern in my @hi.ravelry shop. Here’s to a colourful, interesting and satisfying 2019 in regards to both friends and #knitting. #kleurshawl
TO THE NINES For me 2018 has felt like a year of friendship - strengthening existing ties, forging new ones and reconnecting with old faces too.
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One of my most important newer friendships has been with @woollenwords. Working with her on/in our new business @lightworkcollective is just brilliant. Amelia, you had me at hello.
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As to the rest of the year, there has been a lot more #stashbustersweater action, a smattering of Conifer cardigans, and an appearance on the Designer of the Year shortlist in the @knitnow awards - one of the nicest compliments I've ever received.
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I hope you had a good year too. I know 2018 has been tough for a lot of people. If it's felt like a battle I hope you'll find 2019 easier, kinder and friendlier. I'm rooting for you. Happy New Year!
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