We always look forward to new issues of Twist Collective and not only is this issue full of the stunningly creative designs that we’ve come to expect but two of them are in our Valley Yarns!

Ormond is a flattering, wonderfully light and airy seamless jacket that will keep you warm when you take a stroll on a cool night. A 2×2 rib front band is worked concurrently with an overall Rickrack Lace pattern. This gentle and slimming jacket is knit flat in one piece up to armholes to minimize seams, and the waist shaping is done by changing needle size. Knit in Valley Yarns Deerfield a 80% Baby Alpaca/20% Silk blend that results in a lightweight but snuggly and warm cardi with incredible drape and shine.

Cedri is a fun and flirty summer top, with a slightly cropped length, that features an eyelet lace chevron pattern across the yoke and sleeves and up the sides . This shell is worked in two pieces from the bottom up with minimal shaping, then sewn together. Valley Yarns Longmeadow is the ideal yarn for an active top like this. Cool cotton will keep you from overheating and the microfiber helps the yarn to keeps it’s memory and shape.

What pieces are you excited to knit from this issue?

It’s time for the third and final installment of our  WEBS Emerging Designer series for 2015 with the Got You Covered eBook from Marcy Vandale, who you may know from Steppingstone Fiber Creations. Marcy has put together a collection of wonderful, transitional knits that bridge the gap between the seasons for this eBook. We asked her to tell us a bit her inspiration and designing process.

WEBS: When did you learn to knit and what prompted you to start designing?

Marcy: I learned to knit as a freshman in college. There was an upperclassman on the hall who basically had a Lopi yarn shop in her room, needles, accessories, patterns and yarns. I picked out yarn colors and started my first project, an iconic Lopi sweater. I didn’t know anything other than the knit stitch but learned as I went along. By the end of the first semester, I had a new sweater and had started on the next one. Funny, the one thing I never learned anything about until YEARS after I was out of college was gauge! Not until about 10 years ago did I become a Knitter with a capital K as I like to say. I was doing a lot of knitting for my kids and knitting constantly. I started sample and tech knitting and then contract knitting. It was at that point that I decided that I was interested designing my own creations.

WEBS: Give us a glimpse into your design process, where/how do you find inspiration?

Marcy: My design process usually starts with a great yarn. From there, I usually gravitate to designing something I want to wear, whether it be a sweater or accessory. I do love color so I am always looking at great color combos for colorwork. I’m in a purple mood lately.

WEBS: Tell us about your design aesthetic.

Marcy: I am by nature a very practical person and that’s incorporated into how I design. I like to design things I need in my wardrobe or would want to knit, whether it be a garment or an accessory. It’s like gift giving, I always give a gift I’d love to have myself. Because I have a very busy life chasing around after my 4 kids, I tend to design things that are easy to take along to games and on car rides as well as projects I can put down without fear of losing my place. My knits usually are simple but may have one element that may make them seem more difficult or polished, like a simple crochet edging for a neckline. I also am a fan of minimizing finishing work so I design with that construction in mind.

You’ll keep your core cozy’s and warm with the Got You Covered Vest. Valley Yarns Deerfield is a perfect fit for this long vest with feature cables and a hidden pocket for your phone! Your toes will thank you for knitting the The Got You Covered Socks, not only does the cable pattern coordinate with the vest but with a pattern that looks complex and works up effortlessly in Valley Yarns Huntington these are socks you’ll have for years to come. Finally the Got You Covered Mittens and Hat pattern, in Valley Yarns Northampton, features colorwork motifs in shades to coordinate with your vest.

Download all three patterns together in the Got You Covered eBook for just $9.99 or download any individual pattern for just $3.99 each. You can find more of Marcy’s designs here on our site, and on Ravelry and don’t forget her collaborative designs with her friend Debbi under Adventures Du Jour. And check out WEBS Emerging Designer Spring 2015 eBook by Angelia Robinson with three stunning crochet accessories perfect for every season. And the Summer 2015 WEBS Emerging Designer eBook: Sproutlet, by Debbi Stone, a beautiful layette set perfect for your little ones.

We’re so excited to share this next design with you! The amazing Debbie Bliss has designed the cozy Waterfall Jacket in our Valley Yarns Deerfield. 

She has put together a modern, boxy cardigan in a simple but sophisticated broken rib pattern that is sure to become one of your go-to wardrobe staples. Designed with just the right amount of positive ease and fantastic front pockets this sweater looks great dressed up or styled more casually. You can never go wrong with a pocket! 

Hi Everyone

It has been well documented on this blog that I am a great started but not the best finisher when it comes to projects.  I’ve made promises to myself, I’ve publicly stated that I shall not start a new project without finishing at least one existing project and I’ve sworn off learning to spin or anything else knowing it would be just another distraction.

We’ve owned our lovely bead shop for a little more than 2 years.  I’ve been to bead shows.  I even have a small bead stash.  Yet I have resisted the temptation to learn to bead.  I knew what would happen if I gave in.  I mean, about the only thing that can tickle me more than a few lovely skeins of cashmere is sparkle-y beads.  I knew if I went down that road it would be a VERY slippery slope.

Well, about a month or so ago I gave in.  I decided to string just one, little necklace.  I mean, what harm could a few Swarovski Crystals do??  Here’s my first creation:

Nothing super complicated – just basic stringing.  I’ve proven I know how to count 🙂  It’s also reinforced my almost obsessive joy in symmetry.  I’ve strung three other pieces but of course they are sitting on my desk at WEBS waiting to have the crimp beads and clasps put on – I still need supervision with that part of the process.  I’ll scoop them up tomorrow and post the pics.  For one of the pieces I used chunkier seed beads and focal beads and it’s like knitting with super bulky yarn – FAST!

Here’s my stash to date:

And look how compact and unassuming it appears in my della Q project bag:

(Note:  Sorry the pics aren’t the best.  It’s evident that I need to work on my photography skills with beads)

Some of the beads are from the shop, some I’ve picked up at the buying shows I’ve attended.

Not to fear, the knitting continues as well.  This is a hat I designed for a book and was able to retain rights.  The original yarn has been discontinued so I’m reknitting it in our Valley Yarns Northampton, the color is Jade.  The pattern is my Vintage Baby Hat from Luxury One Skein Wonders.  I’m knitting it in adult size this time.

I also have yarn for two other design projects pulled and I’m in the beginning planning stages for those.  One in Valley Yarns Deerfield is beginning to take shape while the other which will be in Valley Yarns Sheffield still hasn’t come together quite yet.

What is on your needles these days?

Kathy

Just posted is the preview for the Fall ’08 issue! Check it out here http://interweavecrochet.com/issue/2008/materials_fall08.asp#ridgeswing.

The designs are really beautiful and I have to admit to being partial to the Stepping Stones Cardigan by Kristin Omdahl. She used our Valley Yarns Deerfield and the finished cardi is really stunning! Can’t wait for the issue to arrive.

More updates from Twist are coming too!

Kathy