The Interweave Knits Spring 2014 preview is up, and I am excited to have my latest sweater design included in the issue. Brick Lane is a straightforward, bottom-up raglan with lace patterning on the sleeves and a unique ribbing at the cuffs and hem.

It is knitted with Relikt, a new wool/nylon blend yarn from Schoppel Wolle.  This may look like a standard tweed, but it gains its depth of color from the recycled fiber scraps of the Zauberball production process.  It knits up with a bit of a rustic hand, but it really blooms and softens after a good wash.

The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid.  Inspired by this post over at Fringe Association, and the recent Fall Colors KAL hosted by the Yarniacs, I have compiled a few yarn choices that say radiant orchid to me.

1. Shalimar Yarns Breathless in Fairy Dust

2. Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Pink Berry Mix

3. Fiber Company Terra in Beet

4. Quince and Co. Lark in Sorbet

5. Imperial Yarns Columbia 2-ply in Dusty Rose

6. Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock in Truxton Circle

I have been searching for the perfect pattern for two skeins of The Fiber Company’s Acadia (in the granite colorway) that I have been holding on to for quite a while.  I tried a few options, hats with lace and cable and various textures, none were right. 

Acadia Yarn (left), Wabi Mitts by Karen Templer (right)

I think I have finally found the perfect pattern to pair with this yarn, Wabi Mitts by Karen Templer.  They are a simple knitted mitt, with a contrasting purled thumb gusset.  This simplicity will let this yarn’s rustic charm shine.  The gauge is a little off, so I will have to add few stitches to make up for it.  As long as I am modifying, I think I’ll add a little length to the cuff.

The Winter 2013 issue of Twist Collective is up, and it is full of great designs - I’m not just saying that because one of my own, Cypri, is included in this issue (more about that later).  If you are crazy for cables, like I am, you won’t be disappointed. 

Hepworth by Karolina Eckerdal (left), Thorntower by Robin Melanson (center), and Tarian by Thayer Preece Parker (right)

The first design that caught my eye is Hepworth.  This is the sort of cardigan I could live in, with just enough twisted stitch detail to keep the knitting interesting.  Thorntower is next on my list of must-knits.  I love those intricate cables and the curves of the hem and cuffs.  Then there is Tarian, a textured pullover with beautifully constructed seamless set in sleeves.  I really like the extra long sleeves with deep cuffs, it could keep me warm through the cold winter months.  There is so much more, I could go on and on…