Project Spotlight: Vanek's Laneway

When I'm looking for projects to feature on the blog, I surf around Ravelry looking for really stunning or impressive pieces. And I always get excited about a well-executed knit dress. (Great photos don't hurt, either!) This piece from Vanek is a wonderful example of a stylish, modern, gorgeous dress! I am thrilled that she shared more about the creation of the dress and allowed us to feature it on the blog. 

© Vanek

When I purchased my first Anzula Haiku at LYS, I fell for the color, it was Black Cherry and I couldn’t resist it. I made a summer cardigan with this yarn and during the process I kept admiring the quality of the yarn and a pleasure to knit with it. When I finished the cardigan, I started looking for more Haiku. I have to say, there is not much around, or maybe I am looking in the wrong places. Anyway, I found some selection on the web site (don’t remember which one) and ordered a couple of colors. (She later let me know that she ordered it from Knit Culture Studio!) 

© Vanek

When I saw Laneway, I liked the pattern right away. After going through my stash and trying a few yarns that would fit yarn requirements for the pattern, I did not find anything that I liked. Finally, I tried Anzula Haiku in (Sexy), and it was it. I had some difficulties finding the right color for the stripes though. It had to be fingering yarn in a solid color that will show off on the brown.... I was excited to find 1 hank of (Au Natural) on some web site and ordered it. I was very happy when it arrived, it was a great companion for my brown Haiku.

© Vanek

I really like Anzula Haiku, and I wish this yarn was easier to find. The garments made of this yarn have a luxurious silky look and it’s a real pleasure to work with.

Thank you so much to Vanek for allowing me to share her dress on the blog today! If you find yourself unable to find the yarn you are looking for, don't forget that your LYS (or favorite online shop) can place a special order for whatever Anzula yarns or fibers you need, at any time - they are happy to make your knitting dreams come true!

Project Spotlight: Aleksandra's Thistle Down Shawl

Rather than introduce this project, I cannot wait another minute so I'm just going to show you!

This gorgeous shawl was crocheted by theGreyGirl, Aleksandra, from Wash My Lace in Poppy and Curry. The pattern that she used is Thistle Down Wrap by Robin Abdullah. Aleksandra was happy to share a little more about the inspiration behind this stunning (and as you'll see, versatile!) piece.

"I chose the Thistle Down Wrap because I was looking for a versatile shawl with open lacework that could also be used as a wrap-around skirt. I’m also particularly found of leafy looking patterns so I instantly had this on my mental to-do list as soon as I saw it."

"I purchased the yarn at Loopy Yarns in downtown Chicago. The Poppy colorway instantly stuck out to me and I knew I wanted to make something with it. I’m very attracted to deep, saturated colors so it was something I was just naturally drawn to."

Thank you so much to Aleksandra for allowing us to share her incredible shawl and beautiful pictures!

Featured Project: RobbieRobbie's Baby Ensemble

What's cuter than a Gramps / Baby Sophisticate hybrid?

Ravelry user RobbieRobbie knit this baby ensemble from For Better or Worsted in Denim and Madam that she picked up at The Knit Cafe in Toronto. I asked her about her projects and she shared the inspiration behind the set!

"I chose the sweater pattern because I love cardigans, and shawl collars in particular. There’s also something irresistibly adorable and super entertaining about a baby in a “grandpa” sweater - so they’ve become something of a staple for my baby gift knitting. I’ve tried a couple of popular patterns including Gramps & the Baby Sophisticate and have come to prefer a bit of a hybrid of the two. I love how fun and simple the Baby Sophisticate is to make, but there’s just something about elbow patches!"

"I chose the booties because all of my mom friends love the Robeez style booties and these are right up that alley! It didn’t hurt that they were super cute, not to mention fun and interesting to make. The construction is clever, and it’s an engaging pattern."

"I chose the hat b/c baby Elliott’s dad wears one similar (flat top with brim) and wore it regularly when a group of us were on vacation in Costa Rica together, so I’ve come to associate the style with him. I was looking for a cute, and different style of hat for this set, and loved that this found a clever way to have a brim without needing any extra materials."

"I chose Anzula because it’s the best of so many worlds. The colors are fantastic. Rich and interesting. The fibre is quality, and even an unschooled hand can feel that. Whether in the skein or knit up, For Better or Worsted feels luxurious and wonderful. Even though this yarn is luxurious, it’s still a workhorse. It’s superwash and it wears fantastically well. It’s a dream to knit with spongy and lofty and just pure awesome."

"I chose this yarn because the parents are important to me, and I wanted to show them that. Not just through the time and effort I put into planning and making this set, but what I chose to make it with."

Thank you so much to Robbie for letting us share her adorable baby ensemble on the blog today!