 The inspiration for the Aymara cowl arrived the day I saw Jorge del Carpio's Kickstarter campaign for Fibras Andinas. I read the story of the Chilean herders tending their flocks 11,000 ft above sea level, and learned how the development of this new project would provide an opportunity for the purchase and use of the fiber from the animals. Over the next few months, I exchanged emails with Jorge and learned even more about his passion for helping his community. Once Nicole Snow from Darn Good Yarn joined on as the U.S. distributor, it was decided: I was going to design something special with this yarn. The outside of the cowl is inspired by traditional Aymara weaving patterns, and the inside features round after round of adorable llamas! It's knit on circular needles, and the beginning and end are grafted together hiding all ends and making the entire piece reversible and oh-so-cozy. This project takes two skeins each of 2 colors of sport weight yarn from Royal Llama (available in the United States via Darn Good Yarn). Is it soft, you ask? Most definitely. The fiber is de-haired llama. It's warm, luxurious, amazing to work with, and wearing the finished cowl is like getting a big hug from a long-lost friend. Of course, another benefit is knowing that your purchase of Royal Llama yarn helps support the Chilean llama herders! Skills needed | Provisional cast on, knit, purl, working in the round, stranded color work, Kitchener stitch. You will find the pattern on Ravelry HERE. The pattern will be available in a kit available through Darn Good Yarn and Fibras Andinas.  Aymara is available in English & Spanish as an individual pattern (via the link below): $4.00
This is the second time I have had the pleasure of designing for Quince and Co.! This year I wanted to design a cowl that was simple enough for someone just venturing into the world of lace. Reversible, without being overly-complicated. A weekend of swatching and pondering yielded this new design. 
Garment Photographs: Carrie Bostick Hoge for Quince and Co.
Araminta requires basic knitting knowledge, including working in the round, increasing/decreasing, and finishing. Know how to knit, purl, yarn over, do simple decreases? Know how to do a twisted knit stitch? That's about all you need to know to make this cowl! ...And for those who have yet to work with Quince and Co. yarn, I encourage you to visit your LYS or order some online and give it a try. The colors are beautiful, and this particular yarn is soft, rustic, and familiar.  Of course, once you have the entire 14 pattern collection, it'll be hard to decide what to make first. There are options! Colorwork, cables, lace, pleats, asymmetrical wraps... the list goes on and on! All the photography is stunning (as usual). It, along with the e-book layout is done by the uber-talented Carrie Bostick Hodge. The yarn, I should say, is lovely. Owl is a favorite of mine because of its rustic feel. Not only does it work well with twisted stitches, it makes cables sing! Just a few weeks ago, Quince and Co. announced Owl Tweet! - the tweed version of Owl. I saw it at Stitches WEST and loved it. Perhaps someone will work Araminta in Tweet so I fall in love all over again. 
 There's a really great new book on the market for weaving using the rigid heddle loom! Woven Scarves features 26 different scarves and explores a number of different techniques among its pages. Jane Patrick was the editor of Handwoven for years, and also worked as VP for Schacht Spindle. She knows her stuff when it comes to warp and weft! Stephanie Flynn Sokolov has published and coauthored a number of books, and today (in addition she teaches in Bolder, CO). The history and innovation of these two makes this book so special. Taking time to provide clear instructions on these techniques (and then branching out into other more unconventional fabrics) is what makes this book coveted.
UPDATE  3/21/14 - a day later than I hoped, but here are the results!
Congratulations to Nancy! An email has been sent to her giving her the good news. A copy of this great book is on its way to her! Thank you to everyone for your comments and help sharing about this new book. Kyle |
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