My Forest Floor in Dusk #418

I wish I could knit as fast as I dream about projects…

I had to make this dream a reality with Forest Floor, a project I could not stop thinking about after writing a review of Alana Dakos’s new book Botanical Knits. I kept thinking about how this one-hank wonder must be a quick knit since it was less than 164 yards of yarn. So, over a weekend I cast on and bound off, and it was exactly what I was looking for: a quick knit I could dream about and finish quickly, and that had great results!

For those among you who are process knitters, Suri Merino has a gentle halo and feels lovely while you’re knitting. Watching the leaves form kept me knitting, as I thought about how “just one more round!” would get me closer to another completed leaf!

For those among you who are product knitters, I cannot stop wearing this hat! [Jillian interjects: "I can vouch for that!"] It is the “Baby Bear” of hats–always just right! The Dusk color looks great with just about everything, the hat isn’t too tight or too slouchy, and it never messes up my hair (even though I wear it all day long, even indoors!).

Plus, this hat was even faster for me to knit since I finally started knitting from charts. The Zelda Wrap is what converted me (check it out here) and I’ve been a speed-knitting chart reader ever since!

What pattern is calling to you? What do you want to drop everything for and just knit?

Many of my coworkers, myself included, cannot stop knitting with captivating, shimmering Metalico. And, because of its myriad of special properties, designers all seem to use the different qualities to amazing effect.

Photo © Knit.Wear Spring 2013

Laura Zukaite’s Diamond Rib dress–what a wonder! The dress takes advantage of the marvelous stitch definition of Metalico with a subtle-but-impactful faux bois look. But then again, this body skimming dress was always going to make an impact!

The Details

Pattern: Diamond Rib Dress
Designer: Laura Zukaite
Size: 26¾ (32, 37¼)”
Needles: Size 6 (4mm) 24″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 4 (3.5mm) 32″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico, shown in Platinum #1612
Pattern available in Knit.Wear, Spring 2013

Photo © Knitscene, Summer 2013

The Love Braid Cardigan looks like just another simple, swingy cardigan from the front, but the back holds a surprise that is anything but ordinary! The designer really pushed her techniques into sculptural elements. Smooth stockinette in shining Metalico paired with the textural braid–high contrast!

The Details

Pattern: Love Braid Cardigan
Designer: Melissa Wehrle
Size: 36 (38, 40, 41½, 45½, 50)”
Needles: Size 6 (4mm) 32″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico, shown in Platinum #1612
Pattern available in Knitscene, Summer 2013

Photo © Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2013

Pairing black and white is somehow bold and graphic while still maintaining sophistication and mystery. This optical summer dress has a great a-line silhouette and would pair nicely with leggings and layers for a more season-less style.

The Details

Pattern: #08 A-Line Colorblock Tunic
Designer: Jill Wright
Size: XS (S, M, L, XL)
Needles: Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton, shown in Gardenia #311 and Raven #319
Pattern available in Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2013

Photo © Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2013

Summer’s lazy days bring easy wear, easy care, and easy-to-knit garments. Relaxed slouchy silhouettes that suit the laid-back summer mood. This feminine pullover is polished yet comfortable.

The Details

Pattern: #09 Texture-Striped Pullover
Designer: Carla Scott
Size: S (M, L, XL, XXL)
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton, shown in Peony #320
Pattern available in Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2013

Photo © Knitscene Summer 2013

For hot days or playful layering on cooler days, there is nothing better than a tank top. With zig-zag texture and easy construction, this summer knit is road trip and vacation ready.

The Details

Pattern: Wavelength Tank
Designer: Hilary Smith Callis
Size: 33½ (36¼, 40¾, 43¾, 48)” bust circumference
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) 24″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton, shown in Sprout #303
Pattern available in Knitscene Summer 2013

Photo © Petite Purls

Radishes… the perfect baby shower gift!

Photo © Petite Purls

Carrots… quick to knit (and munch)!

Photo © Petite Purls

Turnips… who knew they could be *so* cute!

“With radishes and carrots,

And yummy turnips all in a row.”

The Details

Pattern: Rooted Bib
Designer: Caitlin Currier
Size: one size, 8½” wide x 6″ high, plus 6″ straps
Needles: Size 8 (5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton
• Radishes shown in Toffee #623, Tulip #615, Ladybug #629, Wasabi #639, Azul #628
• Carrots shown in Toffee #623, Poppy #601, Wasabi #639, Azul #638
• Turnips shown in Toffee #623, Tulip #615, Orchid #618, Wasabi #639, Azul #628
Pattern available in Petite Purls

Photo © Purl Soho

Those gals over at Purl Soho… they are always coming up with something cool! These gloves are more than just cool, though. Elegant and vintage-inspired, if you are a fan of Roaring Twenties styles, Downton Abbey, or literary heroines like Jane Austen, these gloves will have you daydreaming of carriages and sharing tea with ladies in the parlor.

The Details

Pattern: Gem Gloves
Designer: Purl Soho
Size: Circumference around palm: 6¾” (stretching to 8″), to fit most women
Needles: Size 2 (2.75mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Royal, shown in Alabaster #700
Pattern available on the Purl Bee

Photo © Purl Soho

Do you ever feel inspired by the yarn itself? The Amazing Seed Stitch Wrap is an ode to yarn. Praising beautiful painterly colors, the feel of natural fibers through your fingers, and simple texture for results that will turn heads.

The Details

Pattern: Amazing Seed Stitch Wrap
Designer: Purl Soho
Size: 24″ x 78″
Needles: Size 8 (5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino, shown in Snow #410 and Twilight #423
Pattern available on the Purl Bee

Photo © Purl Soho

If the Amazing Seed Stitch Wrap was an ode to yarn then the Bobble Sheep Pillow can only be a tribute to one of our favorite fiber-producing animals! If I start knitting now, I’ll have this pillow finished before the end of the month–March will truly “go out like a lamb”!

The Details