New Colorways for Summer 2017

We love summer. Afternoons by the pool with icy drinks, weekends in the woods camping with friends and family, flowers blooming, and peaches. You know how much Sabrina loves peaches. To honor the warm months of summer Kelly created 3 new colorways we know you will love!

Freesia:
This deep and vibrant shade reminds us of summer blossoms and the warm purple on the edge of sunset.

Parakeet:
Bright leafy greens are all around this summer and we wanted something truly bold. Parakeet is bright, cool, and ready for some knitting in the sun.

Teddy:
We know you love rich, earthy browns as we dye so many of them for you. So this summer Kelly created a warm, comforting brown that reminds us all of a hug-able teddy bear.

We hope you love all of our new colors as much as we do. You'll find them cropping up in shops over the next few weeks. If you just can't wait to get your hands on some, place a special order at your local yarn shop; we will dye it especially for you and send it to your local shop.

You can see a list of shops here and our online shops here.

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Pattern Spotlight: Roxanne by Heddi Craft

Heddi Craft of Heddi Craft Designs joins us with the story of her new shawl pattern, Roxanne, which was released last week:

I first learned about Anzula yarns at the 2015 STITCHES West show. I was almost unable to choose from amongst all the lovely colors and fibers. However, Meridian drew me in with its beautiful sheen and drape. I used my precious skein to create the prototype for my Kerti Shawl and found that it was an ideal yarn to work with because of its subtle color variations and crisp blocking. The generous skein gave me plenty of yarn to experiment.

Early this year, my local yarn shop held a trunk show for Anzula and I purchased another skein of Meridian, this time in the sky blue Alice colorway. Two months later I learned that my midwife, Roxanne Cummings, who was with me for the birth of all three of my children, had passed away. I knew that skein needed to be knitted in her honor-- it represented the springtime sky and the hope and light that my midwife brought to so many families in my area.

In designing this shawl, I chose patterns that evoked growth and change. Working on the shawl became a part of my grieving process. Even when the design had setbacks and I had to rework the border, I found that I didn't mind-- it gave me more time to spend with the fond memories of my friend.

Roxanne Shawl in Meridian, colorway Alice

Meridian is quickly becoming my favorite lace-weight yarn and was the perfect yarn for this project. In addition to opening up and blocking beautifully, the tencel gives it a shine and brightness, the alpaca provides softness, and the little bit of nylon gives it strength. Light, softness, and strength were what Roxanne brought to my births as well, so it really was an ideal match. the tonal dyeing technique that Anzula uses really adds to depth to the shawl without distracting from the lace design.

If you would like to learn more about Heddi and her work, you can find her on Ravelry, Facebook, Instagram, and on her Fiber Craft Mama blog.

What is your favorite Anzula lace yarn and colorway? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Stitching!

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Pattern Spotlight: Dear Prudence by Afifa

I'm Afifa, an indie designer who's been publishing knitting patterns for over a year now. In that time, I've designed everything from from fingerless mittens, to scarfs, shawls and cozy sweaters. As I have a background in fashion, I bring a modern sensibility and love of construction to the art of knitting.

So, how did Dear Prudence come to be? A couple of months ago, I reached out to Anzula asking them if they would be interested in working with me. Charlie, The Big Cheese, Ruler of This Universe, (Charlie is the office manager of Anzula) responded almost immediately and was so extremely gracious and generous in directing me towards the yarns in need of patterns. (Thank you for that, Charlie! I so adored working with Ava!) As a designer, it’s magnificent when a dyer is so open!

A few weeks later, Ava in the gorgeous Orchid colorway arrived in my mailbox. (Rumors that I was camped out or stalking my mailman, waiting for my squishy package, may or may not be true.)

At first touch I could tell that Ava would become a special summer knit. And coincidentally I’d been wanting an easy-wear top with a bit of embellishment that would be a great on-the-go piece. (Seriously, it’s already become an indispensable part of my wardrobe!)

I’m not a huge fan of seaming – who is, right? So when I cast on for Dear Prudence I started in the round, from the bottom up. I think the rib is a fun little twist on a traditional, too. Increases are made every few rows to create a drapey, dolman style effect. (If you’re not familiar with a dolman, it’s the second most perfect summer attire– a breezy, flowing robe.)

Obviously this is the most perfect attire– a top that’s designed for the kind of ease that practically whispers, relax, chill, it’s summer!

And Ava yarn is so perfect for this design– it has the drape, softness and stitch definition to work really well with the subtle increases. Once the torso is completed, you’ll separate for the front and back and create the lacy cap sleeves. Now, my absolute favorite bit of this top is the sleeve design. I think it’s intriguing and a little bit sexy while bringing a definite summertime feel to the garment. Plus, everyone who’s seen me in this has said, “Super-cute, Afifa! Where did you find that top?”

Think we’re done talking about the sleeves? No way! See, initially, I had the lace pattern running along the edges of the armhole and all across the front and back of the neck. I finished it, bound off, put it on and stepped in front of the mirror with a happy goofy smile on my face. It didn’t last!

And, oh boy, talk about a hot mess! It looked – seriously – like I‘d taken two different tops and spliced them together. Not a pretty sight! So, back to the drawing board I went. I ripped it back down to where it separated for the front and back and, voila! I added a delicate, stepped lace pattern just where the sleeves hit. That way, you can have the delicate airy lace, and still wear traditional undergarments without looking like... well, use your imagination, okay? Like this, it’s comfy, pretty AND functional. Oh, and super-cute! A three needle bind off at the shoulders adds the perfect finishing edge.

I really hope you love Dear Prudence. I promise you’ll enjoy the process of creating it as much as you’ll enjoy wearing it (especially since you won’t have to rip it out to the arm pits and re-knit it as I did!)

Tell us which colorway you will use to make your very own Dear Prudence in the comments!

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