Through the Loops!

High Line

Meandering three stories above the streets of Manhattan is the newly opened High Line park.  Having visited the park on a number of occasions (my kids' band rehearses in the neighborhood) I was inspired to design a shawl by its linear paths and abundant wild flowers.

High Line is knit using Blue Sky Alpaca's Worsted Hand Dyes.  I will warn you that this yarn is much heavier than worsted weight and when choosing a yarn you should look for chunky or bulky weight to get the look and scale of the shawl in the photos.

Worked at a gauge of 10 sts = 4"(10cm) on US 15(10mm) needles this shawl knits up very quickly.  It is perfect for gift knitting or as a little bit of indulgence for yourself.

You'll find the pattern here on Ravelry.

HIGH LINE SHAWL

Finished Measurements:  Approx. 22”x78” including fringe.

Needles:  US 15 (10mm) or size to obtain gauge. 

Gauge: 10 stitches = 4”(10cm) in stockinette stitch, Blocked

Yarn:  Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dye, 50% Alpaca/50% Merino, 100 yards/91m per 3.5 oz/100g skein.  Colorway:  Iris, 4 skeins

Additional Materials: 

Tapestry needle

Crochet hook for fringing (optional)

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I have been lucky enough to have Caryl test knit a few patterns for me.  She is a very thorough test knitter and always chooses yarns that enhance my patterns.  Take this Ulmus for example (I swiped the photo from her flickr page with her permission):

Don't you just love it?  Caryl wears it with such style and the colors are gorgeous.  You'd think she'd want to keep it, but I've got good news for you.  This shawl could be yours!  Caryl is running the NYC Marathon on November 1st.  She is generously offering a chance to win this shawl and many other amazing prizes if you make a donation to her fund raising efforts for the Campaign for Female Education.  You'll find all the information you need on her blog.  Go check it out, support her and cheer her on!

Here's her project on Ravelry if you want more details on the shawl.

Also in the Works

A rectangular Ulmus.  I hope to have the pattern ready by early September.

Yarn: BMFA Socks That Rock Light Weight in Mossay and Blue Moonstone.

Tomorrow is the Lad's 18th birthday.  How did he grow up so fast?

The High Line

New York City has a new park.  Part of it is in the neighborhood where my kids' band rehearses.  Over the past few years we've witnessed the High Line's  construction as well as the changes in the neighborhood that it has brought - art galleries and restaurants have sprung up seemingly overnight.

 

Despite the hype and the crowds this park is magnificent.  It is located on the old elevated railway line that once served the industrial areas along the west side of Manhattan.  As you walk above the streets of the Meat Packing District and West Chelsea, you see the buildings from a new vantage point and encounter breathtaking views of the Hudson River.  Add to that perfectly executed plantings and hardscape and you have a place that I will return to again and again.  If you are in the city I highly recommend a visit to the High Line.

My new shawl design is named for the High Line.
I hope you like it.

High Line Shawl (pattern coming in about a week)

Yarn:  Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes
Colorway:  Iris
Needles:  US 15/10mm

On Ravelry.

Isabella

Hello Friends!  It's been awhile.  Summer is always a hectic time in the Kapur household. With three teens there are jobs (DS has two, DD#1 & DD#2 have one each), summer classes (good stuff like painting, filmmaking & graphic design), band rehearsals & shows and visits from friends and relatives.  Along with all of my kids' activities I've been very busy with some secret projects.

The first project that is no longer secret is "Isabella".  Many months ago Sandra Singh and I discussed creating an exclusive design for her online shop.  She was looking for a scarf, hat and mittens that she could sell individually or as a set and as a kit with the yarn.

The yarn choice was easy.  With it's amazing range of colors, decadently soft feel and generous yardage we quickly agreed that I should create the set in Malabrigo Merino Worsted.  The entire set takes only 4 skeins of Malabrigo so knitters are able to make all three pieces for holiday gifts or to match their new winter coat for a very reasonable price.

The color work at the borders of the pieces is deceptively simple.  There is no carrying two colors in the same row.  The stitch pattern is created by slipping stitches and then knitting the carries together a few rows later.  Even the more complex looking body of the pieces are worked in this way.  There is no cabling involved, the intricate looking pattern work is really just slipped stitches.

You may purchase the patterns from Sandra Singh by going to her shop here.