Let's All Hold Hands

Are you, perhaps, from an era where you played a crazy game called Red Rover in the schoolyard as a kid? And, if so, do you remember how strong you felt holding onto the friends on either side of you? We were practically invincible. (If you're unfamiliar with Red Rover, here's an explanation.)

I love thinking of my knitting stitches as a well-connected community---stronger together than the sum of their parts. Just like us. Together we are better, stronger, wiser, dearer. 

And the act of knitting a community of stitches---that eventually forms, say, a sweater or a sweet hat---is sometimes a community-building act itself. Just try knitting in a coffee shop or an airport or at a soccer game without several curious bystanders stopping to chat. And, if you're lucky enough to be part of a maker's group, you are already "holding hands" with fabulous people on a regular basis.

We have a fresh, new yarn in the shop and it whispered sweet nothings in my ear...and now I'm in the middle of a summer sweater. I'm highly susceptible to genius blends of fiber and this is one: 35% organic cotton, 30% mulberry silk, 20% linen, and 15% baby alpaca. Be still, my heart.

It's Cotton Lino from The Wandering Flock. It feels like a dream in my hands and comes in fabulous colors.

Check out the beautiful new shop sample, Stripes by Andrea Mowry, knit in four colors of Cotton Lino. We made the sleeves short for easy summer wear (the pattern shows 3/4 sleeves) and chose the cropped length (there's a longer option included in the pattern for those of us who have long torsos or prefer to cover the tum).

I think this would look fabulous in just one color, too! The circular yoke and its graceful increases are flattering to pretty much everyone...and calming to knit.

Susan is just finishing the Esther Sweater by Camilla Vad in the same amazing yarn...and the results are fabulous. You can see a photo here and order the sweater bundle while you're checking it out.

Our online bundles are the easiest way I know to get your summer knitting started without stress.

The more we hold hands, the stronger we become. Perhaps you're a true hand-holder. If so, grab on. But I think we can also hold hands by writing a thoughtful note and popping it into the mail, paying a sincere compliment, greeting a stranger on on the sidewalk, saying thank you. Let us stay connected in order to stay strong.

Gaby

P.S. We've got a Makers Morning coming up this Saturday from 10-12. It promises to be a hot, sticky day, so give yourself a calm, cool couple of hours with other lovely humans and their yarny creativity. Register here. You absolutely deserve some time in your happy place!