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?

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

Photo © Clotheshorse Magazine

It’s still winter, so nothing beats being cozy and toasty warm, hanging out at home.

The Details

Pattern: Fireside
Designer: Jennifer Dassau
Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)”
Needles: Size 10 (6mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Techno, shown in Fame #1970
Pattern available in Clotheshorse, Winter 2012/2013

Photo © Clotheshorse Magazine

Whipping up a warm and lovely handknit is a perk of long winters.

The Details

Pattern: Whipped Cream Cowl
Designer: Heather Dixon
Size: One, 22″ x 8″
Needles: Size 15 (10mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky, shown in Polar Bear #1004
Pattern available in Clotheshorse, Winter 2012/2013

Photo © Clotheshorse Magazine

But soon spring will come, with sunny days and cool breezes. Perfect bucket hat weather!

The Details

Pattern: Frosted Hat
Designer: Heather Dixon
Size: One, 21½” x 11″
Needles: Size 10 (6mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Techno, shown in Fame #1970
Pattern available in Clotheshorse, Winter 2012/2013

Photo © Clotheshorse Magazine

The best part of the coming season? Springy colors!

The Details

Pattern: Ansel
Designer: Mari Chiba
Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44)”
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight, shown in Citron #536 and Capri #539
Pattern available in Clotheshorse, Winter 2012/2013

Photo © Alana Dakos/NNK Press 2013

Inspiration. Where does it come from? While it’s certainly different for everyone, the beauties of nature seem to be the most universally inspiring. With all the colors, textures, patterns, and beauty found in nature, it is entirely fitting that many designers try to translate these occurrences into knit and crochet patterns.

Alana Dakos’ love of nature shines in her newest collection, Botanical Knits, which is a literal translation of leaves into knitwear. Through her thoughtful execution in which knitted fabric mimics nature, the leaves seem to spring forth from the garments, as though ready to sway in any gentle breeze that may pass by…

Dakos even uses decreasing techniques to portray the cyclical nature of life in Forest Floor, a slouchy hat featuring Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino. With delicate leaf shapes growing seamlessly out of the ribbing and decreasing gently into nothing, we are reminded of how life unrfurls, grows, and withers. Forest Floor is my weekend plan, now to pick a color!

The Details

Pattern: Forest Floor
Designer: Alana Dakos
Size: 20-22″ head
Needles: Size 5 (3.75mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino, shown in Harvest #415
Pattern available in Botanical Knits: Twelve Designs Inspired by Trees and Foliage

Photo © Vogue Knitting

Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Kenzo… animal prints are still strutting the catwalks.

This cardigan, with its large-scale print, pushes animal into abstract, fiercely fashionable into cozy.

The Details

Pattern: #18 Safari Jacket
Designer: Brandon Mably
Size: One Size with finished bust of 50″
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 9 (5.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes, shown in Butterscotch #2022, Black #2006, Rusty Orange #2010, Charcoal #2025, Cranberry #2012, Mulberry #2024
Pattern available in Vogue Knitting Winter 2012/2013

Photo © The Purl Bee

I adore handmade ornaments. In particular any ornament that can withstand falling off of the tree (thanks to my two darling cats). The Snowflower Ornaments from the Purl Bee fit the bill: handmade, unbreakable, and lovely! One hank of Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico makes about 9 ornaments! That’s one for me, my Mom, my Grandma, my cousin, my Aunt, three girlfriends, and my neighbor! I love crocheting holiday cheer!

The Details

Pattern: Snowflower Ornaments
Designer: Purl Soho
Size: 3″ diameter
Hook: Size D (3.25mm) hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico, shown in Opal #1610
Pattern available on the Purl Bee

Photo © Interweave

Perusing the latest editions of knitting magazines is one of my favorite ways to unwind. To make myself all cozy after a day at work and take a look at all the lovely designs on each page is entertaining and inspiring. Every now and then a design really grabs me, makes me exclaim aloud, and has me dashing for my stash rather than staying under the cozy afghan. Kyoko Nakayoshi had not one, but two exclamation-inducing designs in Knitscene Winter 2012. These designs, Merging Ripples Shawl and the Sideways Shawls patterns, are variations on a theme, one symmetric and the other asymmetric.

The Details

Pattern: Merging Ripples Shawl
Designer: Kyoko Nakayoshi
Size: 45″ wide and 21½” tall
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, shown in Salsa #806 and Pomegranate #813
Pattern available in Knitscene, Winter 2012

Photo © Interweave

I especially enjoy the asymmetric balance of the Sideways Ripples Shawl. Probably because my life is frequently a bit off-kilter.

Looking forward to heathery Cornflower in an eye-catching combination with Cinnamon.

I was inspired by oxidized metals to put Cornflower #800 and Cinnamon #804 together. As fellow BSA coworkers passed by my desk, I heard many “Ohhh… ahhh!’ and my favorite, “Wow! What is this going to be for?”

It’s safe to say this shawl is going to look awesome, and I’m itching to cast-on!

The Details

Pattern: Sideways Ripples Shawl
Designer: Kyoko Nakayoshi
Size: 45″ wide and 21½” tall
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, shown in Dijon #807 and Licorice #803
Pattern available in Knitscene, Winter 2012