linnet & avocet

It may only be the beginning of February, but Spring is just around the corner.  And to celebrate the advent of warmer, sunnier days, I’ve got two new designs to share from the most recent catalog for WEBS – America’s Yarn Store!

First up is Linnet:

This design came to life after I received a skein of Valley Yarns Deerfield to swatch with last year.  Valley Yarns is a collection of yarns that is exclusive to WEBS and Deerfield is a perfect example of that collection: a yarn that is thoughtfully created while also being affordable.  An 80/20 blend of baby alpaca and silk means that Deerfield, a DK-weight yarn, creates a fabric of exceptional softness and drape.  And the silk content adds an elegant sheen to the finished project.  I cannot recommend Deerfield highly enough; it is a pleasure to knit with and comes in a refined palette of 16 colors.  The color “Ballet Slipper” had me at hello 🙂

After swatching a few ideas, I realized that Deerfield would be the perfect opportunity to merge cables and lace in a simple, feminine tee for wearing in transitional weather.  The sweater is knit in the round from the hem upward with the cable and lace motif featured on both the front and back.  Easy “grown-on” short sleeves are created by simply adding stitches when it’s time to work the front and back separately.  A-line shaping in the body, a graceful scoop neck and a bit of short-row shoulder shaping enhance the fit of the tee while allowing the soft drape of the fabric to take center stage.  The hem, neck, and sleeves each feature optional tubular edges for a professional finish.  Finally, a word on sizing: the pattern includes 9 sizes covering a bust range of 32-60″ because it’s important to me that this design be accessible to as many knitters in our community as possible.

And here’s a closer photo that I took before sending Linnet to its new home so that you can really see the crisp stitch definition created by Deerfield:

I hope that Linnet inspires you to not only try an incredible yarn like Deerfield but to take up your needles for a warmer weather garment!

Next up is Avocet:

Avocet is the perfect reminder that a knitted shawl/wrap is not only for the cold weather!   This asymmetrical triangular design is worked flat in one piece.  It features a striking cable panel offset by a sleek reverse stockinette stitch body accented by simple rope cables.

I originally created this design with a different yarn in mind, but after swatching with another yarn from the Valley Yarns collection, Southwick, I was completely converted!  Southwick is, hands down, the best cotton blend yarn I have ever worked with.  Often, cotton yarn can have a reputation for creating a stiff fabric or for being difficult on the hands/joints of the knitter, especially when you’re working cable stitches.  But by blending pima cotton together with bamboo (a fiber that imparts both drape and sheen), Southwick gives you the best of both worlds: a soft yarn that is easy to knit with and a polished finished project that works for any weather.

Here’s another angle of the wrap to show you its overall shape:

As you can see, it’s generously sized to match the feel of the statement cable panel.  I was drawn to the “Soft Grape” colorway as a nod to Spring (and am thrilled with how flattering it is on a fellow redhead!), but with 23 colors in the palette, there are plenty of pastel and vibrant choices to complement your wardrobe.

The patterns for Linnet and Avocet are available exclusively at WEBS, where you can pleasantly while away an entire afternoon creating a custom kit for your preferred size and colorway!

Happy Spring Knitting!

xoxo Danielle