While Emily has been busy finishing up Handmade in the UK, I’ve been busy knitting! Handmade in the UK is a personal project from Emily but I had to dip my hand in just a little, by knitting up a Handmade wardrobe for Hunter. If you are anxiously awaiting the release of Handmade we have a date for you: The ebook and pre-orders for the print copy will be ready Thursday May 16th, mark your calendars!
I’m not just Emily’s design partner, I’m also really her biggest fan. I’m always inspired by her designs, especially their simple but unique constructions and stunning lace. Lush was the first garment she completed for HMUK and as soon as I saw Emily’s pretty orangey-red grown up version I knew I had to whip one up for Hunter. I had a skein of Sweet Georgia Superwash DK on hand in Silver so I cast on. It was the perfect thing for summer, she can wear it over her little tank top and jean skirt just like a little grown up. I chose some yellow rimmed buttons for a bit of whimsy. Lush is knit lace band first, then stitches are picked up to knit the collar and picked up to knit the yoke and body, genius!
Next I wanted a few hats for the Huntress. First up is the Rosewater. Hunter’s grey roses were knit in Sweet Fiber’s Avery Sport in Charcoal. This yarn is amazing! It is made up of 50% silk and 50% merino and it is a shiny soft dream. The yarn knit up with just the right amount of stitch definition to show off those pretty lace roses. I blocked the hat rather aggressively so it’s a pretty slouchy hat. Adorable for my little hipster!
When I took my trip to the UK this last January I got to see Loch in person and I was smitten right away. The adult version is knit up in Skein Queen’s 100% cashmere Opulent and it is buttery soft. So of course I decided my 2 year old needed a little cashmere in her life too! I knit Hunter’s Loch with my own hand dyed yarn, Gourmet Crafter Cashmere, in a new colorway: Stay Golden. In case you are curious I do a little yarn dying on the side but it’s mostly just for fun. Although the hat was inspired by the Loch’s of Scotland, I certainly found the watery stitch pattern relevant to the Pacific Northwest too. The ‘flukes’ remind me of the subtle water movement of Buntzen Lake in the evening.
Last but not least is Windswept. Although the natural shade of Emily’s grown up version is lovely, I needed something bright for Hunter’s pullover. KT from Morgan’s Fine Yarns sent me 2 skeins of Glamorgan in Hunky Dory (a light grey) and 2 skeins of Goldenrod, which I chose of course! I LOVE the lace pattern on this pullover. It is so reminiscent of the craggy coasts and windswept places of Scotland. The yarn is so pretty, with a vibrant color and a super soft combination of alpaca, wool, and silk.
If you are looking forward to handmade in the UK we have a date for you: It will be released Thursday May 16th so mark your calendars!
More lacy goodness from Emily:
May 13, 2013 @ 3:23 pm
May 16 is my 15th wedding anniversary– I know exactly what my gift will be! The traditional gift for 15 years is now knitting books. And maybe some yarn.
May 13, 2013 @ 3:16 am
Beautiful, I love the grey pieces, just stunning.
May 11, 2013 @ 9:44 pm
These all look great! And so happy to hear a release date for the book!