Friday, May 14, 2010
California Dreamin’
While we wait for spring to take hold in Nova Scotia and for summer to show itself, it is California Dreamin' time. The California Dreamin' top is the second design in the Linen Collection, my collection for Spring and Summer 2010. Its tantalizing citrus-y colour and openwork design harkens all that is summer.
I enjoyed making this top for several reasons:
- The openwork stitch patterns were fun to do and made the piece grow quickly. I didn't even mind finishing two sleeves!
- I got to play with a new stitch pattern, at least new to me: Twisted Drop Stitch Pattern. It is easy to do and creates a net-like fabric, a kind of filet mesh. (Complete instructions on how to do this stitch are in the pattern.)
- The Grand Eyelet Lace Stitch is one of my favourite stitch patterns. It's just so pretty and makes a nice counterpoint to the more austere Twisted Drop Stitch.
And finally the yarn: Louet's Euroflax Sportweight Linen (100% wet spun linen, 247 m./270 yds. per 100 g. skein). A perfect 100% linen, crisp and cool to the touch, with clear stitch definition. It can be a little stiff as you work it. But after you finish knitting the piece, just wash it, block it, throw it into the dryer for a couple of minutes only and the fabric softens up.
With the breathability of linen, not to mention its durability, it is the perfect summer yarn. Unlike many other yarns, you can actually wear linen next to the skin, even in hot weather.
And of the course, the colour. Such a luscious orange, you can almost taste it.
Make this piece in another yarn, if you like. It is versatile enough to accommodate any kind of yarn, as long as it has some body and structure. I expect it would be particularly intriguing done in a handpainted yarn, too.
It's California dreamin' time, so make your own California dream come true.
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