Spring Knitting Fever

This year, I've been struck by a serious case of Spring Fever. It seems all I can think about is the warmer weather, the singing birds, the yellow pollen and sneezing, and finally spending time outside again. The shorts are unpacked, and the long sleeves are gone.

It might be counter-intuitive, but I've also been struck by a desire to spend as much time as possible knitting. It might be because I am really attached to the outdoors, and would much rather find a park bench to knit on than sit on my couch at home in front of the TV – not to mention I've canceled cable, so it's a little tough to watch TV these days.

But what in the world do you knit this time of year?

The store has been struck with another viral project: All the Shades of Truth by Laura Aylor. I must admit that I am easily affected by peer pressure, and the popularity of this pattern is soaring.

 


All the Shades of Truth by Laura Aylor



Playing with colors



The yarn suggested for the pattern is Madelinetosh Merino Light, which is a perfect yarn to work with this time of year (Anytime of year?). It's truly one of my favorites to work with. It is a thinner yarn, and very smooth and soft, which makes it easier to work with in warmer weather. It also is a lightly spun single ply, which complements the merino's strength, giving it a soft elasticity.

I've also recently been introduced to Dragonfly, which I am itching to knit. It is spun similarly enough to Tosh that it could be safely knit alongside it. It also comes in colors that I would venture to say are even more eye-catching. There are also some gorgeous new colors made just for TYC themed after Game of Thrones: Winterfill, High Garden, Weir Wood, Kingslayer, Summer, Mormont, Ghost, Grey Wind, Danaerys, Arya, Knight of the Flowers, Godswood, Sunspear, Nymeria, Jojen, and Lady.



Table full of Dragonfly Fibers' Pixie

 

A finished "Shades" by Lori



I am always so mesmerized by hand-dyed yarns. The only word I can use to describe the way the colors work together is “life.” Both Madelinetosh and Dragonfly have such a life of their own that they perform rather well in a simple, modern, and elegant pattern, such as Shades of Truth.

All of her patterns work very well for those addicted to hand-dyed yarns. My personal favorites when I looked through her Ravelry patterns were: City Block Shawl, Westport Wrap, Litchfield Shawl, and Babycakes.  Andrea likes her newest cardigan, Pebble.

Now is a perfect time to start one of her patterns because she will be coming to The Yarn Club April 26^th through 28^th. There will be a reception on Friday, April 26^th at 4 P.M, and there will be cheese and wine. Check out the Classes/Events page for more details. I hope to see you there!
http://www.yarnclubknits.com/Classes_Events_Yarn_Club.html