This is one of my WIPs (works in progress). I love how the cabling gives it depth while the stockinette stitch gives it smoothness. I am using drift by Rowan, a super bulky wool in a deep green color with blue highlights (#905). It reminds me of soft rolling waves in a warm sea.
I still have a couple of balls of yarn to go before it’s finished. Stay tuned for the finished product.
This lone bootie is one-half of an extended work-in-progress. I have a hard time knitting in pairs. Just when I experience the satisfaction of finishing one item, I sigh at the prospect of having to start all over again with the second.
The second bootie was languishing on its needles from lack of attention.
I used Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in color #340032. I call it “electric blue.” This baby soft yarn is made in Italy from 55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre and 12% Cashmere. One ball is more than enough for a pair for wee little feet. So after MONTHS of dangling around, I finally took up the needles and finished bootie #2.
Now all I need is a bouncing boy baby shower invitation and I’m all set.
One of the steps in knitting that brings me a sense of satisfaction is getting to the part of the pattern that reads “Bind off. Weave in ends.” That’s when I know I’m almost done! Even though I enjoy the process of knitting itself – selecting the yarn, figuring out what I’m going to make with it, casting on stitches, knitting and purling, and watching the design evolve – my impatient self eventually just wants to get to the final product. Here are a few of my recently completed projects.
I had fun selecting the various yarns in purple hues with a punch of blue to make this Easy Scallop Throw. The pattern is by Colinette although I have to admit that I did not use Colinette yarns.
I made this Garter Stitch Scarf for my husband. I liked the blue and yellow with a racy green stripe in between. I used Peruvian Mirasol Sulka – 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Silk.
I also made him this Monochromatic Scarf in garter stitch, knit lengthwise. I used RY Classic Yarns Cashsoft DK – Extra Fine Merino and Cashmere. It’s a very simple pattern but the grays and blacks give it a nice, elegant look.
I kept seeing cowls in magazines so I decided to make one. I liked the look of this “Burberry” Style Cowl. Knit with Berroco Peruvia Quick – 100% Wool. Pattern here.
When I saw the Big Cable Scarf pattern in Men’s Knits by Erika Knight, I loved the look so much that I made it in lilac for me! I also knit a slouchy beret to match. It’s soooo soft in Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande.
I fell in love with the incredible colors of Noro yarn and used it to make this top for my four-year old niece. I used Noro Silk Garden #87 and the Tamayo pattern from Noro Family.
One of the threads that runs through Helsinki is the notion of embedding design in life. Perhaps that’s why it was named the 2012 World Design Capital. Of course, I was drawn to anything having to do with knitting or yarn or weaving. These are a few of the designers I was introduced to at the Design Forum Shop in the Helsinki Design District.
Odd Couture is a collection of clothing by the designer label Poola Kataryna. I had a close-up view of the garment below but in black and while I initially thought it was knitted, it actually looked knotted together like a macramé plant hanger. It had that hippie look to it but still very modern. According to the designer’s website, the items are made from 100% cotton jersey from textile industry leftovers. All items are handmade in Helsinki.
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I Know Why No is a collection designed by Aino Vainio, a 2007 graduate of the School of Art and Design at Aalto University in Helsinki. According to the I Know Why No website, all items are hand knitted and one-of-a-kind.
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From Studio Jaffe, there were incredibly soft mohair wraps and shawls. According to the website, Marjo Jaffe-Pelkonen, the designer, weaves many of her items on a loom.
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Another theme throughout Finnish design is sustainability. One design store that focuses exclusively on recycling everyday items into unique clothing and other accessories is Globe Hope. Globe Hope’s products can be found at the Design Forum and at their own storefront on Mannerheimintie.
Last but not least is Neroko, whose design team creates items for man’s best friend. I liked these chew toys – only for very special dogs!
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To see many more designs from porcelain to clothing to dinnerware, visit the Finnish Design Shop online. Follow this link to see why Helsinki was named the 2012 World Design Capital.
Agujas 