Saturday, December 31, 2011

For those who missed the incredible "knit, Swirl!" trunk show from December 15th to the 26th, it was a rare treat. Since Sandra McIver published her book November 2010, knitters have been drooling and wanting to make one for themselves. This past June at TNNA Columbus, I was lucky not only to have met Sandra in person, but also see all of her Swirls. While there, I met up for breakfast with Jenny Raymond of zzJonquil Designs and Deborah Robson of "Fleece & Fiber Source Book" by Storey Publishing. Deb's Swirl is made with two different colorways of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. To see her twirl in her swirl, click on the below photo. I love the way it moves!

There are many Swirls made by prominent folks in the fiber world. A second one by JC Briar of the award-winning "Charts Made Simple" book is in WIP status. I have seen hers up close during TNNA also, and it is utterly elegant. During Thanksgiving, when I showed my Swirl-in-progress to a friend of Christopher and I, she was smitten by the alternating welts of reverse stockinette and stockinette stitches. Inspired, she offered to trade a substantial amount of String Theory for my hardcopy book (purchased here at The Yarn Club). Unable to refuse, I accepted her offer and handed it over. By the way, the yarn is a luxurious amount (weighing close to 7 ounces) of silk/merino sport-weight blend at $30 per 4 ounces. I think I hit a nice jackpot, don't you agree?

Blocking Swirl in MadelineTosh DK and Cascade Yarns Kid Seta
For those curious about what yarns to use besides the ones listed in the book, here are a few to help. *Note: You must have access to Ravelry to see the details on these projects.*

Adixonmahatoo's swirl The Coat of Many Colors swirl above was made in Berroco Vintage by adixonmahatoo

ChezShea's swirl ChezShea's Forest Fiesta swirl above was made in MadelineTosh DK with the Tart colorway
jilsknittingagain's swirl Jill's above Sheer Beauty was made in Malabrigo and Louet
ltlknits' swirl ltlknits' Winter Waves swirl above was made in Malabrigo
knittingalways' swirl knittingalways' Shades of Grey swirl above was made in Cascade Rustic
So before I digress further, here are some of the latest trunk show photos. Again I apologize if you missed seeing these beauties up close and personal because they are simply GORGEOUS.
Ann in a couple of poses: Ann in one of 2 poses
SomeBunnysLove.com

Andrea grinning in her Sheer Beauty: Andrea in her own Sheer Beauty
Myself unable to resist trying on a swirl in black and red: Kimberly in a black and red swirl
Amanda cozying up in a swirl of Mountain Colors: Amanda
Our favorite swirl in a beautiful burgundy wine color: Our favorite swirl in burgundy
Now if you still want to make your very own Swirl, do not fear because we can help you! Now that I have my first Swirl under my belt, I have figured out not only to make the very long sleeves shorter, but I also figured out how to make the pattern fit larger sizes. Feel free to drop by the shop to get twirling in a swirl!! See you soon! Kimberly =:8

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