the Happy Knits Blog | Portland, OR

Pom Pom Quarterly–Issue 5

Posted by Kate on May 22, 2013 / Leave a Comment

We just received the latest issue of Pom Pom Quarterly!

This is the Spring issue, and the theme is Camp Pom Pom! The cover design is the Mountain Moss Shawl by Beth Kling.

The striped Camp & Trail Socks are very cute, but since they are knit at a DK weight gauge, this pattern would also be suitable to someone new to knitting socks.

The Fieldwork Cardigan is probably my favorite design in this issue. I always need a lightweight cardigan or shrug to wear on cool summer evenings, and this pattern has such a beautiful stitch pattern. The side to side construction makes the sweater look like it would be interesting to knit.

Many of Caitlin ffrench’s designs have been showing up in my Ravelry queue, and she has two new patterns in this issue of Pom Pom! It would be fun to pick out color combinations for her Firewood Shawl.

New Issue of Interweave Knits–with a New Editor!

Posted by Kate on May 21, 2013 / Leave a Comment

We just received the Summer 2013 issue of Interweave Knits, and this issue is packed with gorgeous designs and interesting articles. Lisa Shroyer is the new editor of Interweave Knits, and she was formerly the editor of KnitScene. If this issue is an indicator, I’m very optimistic about the future of this magazine!

There is an article featuring the designs of Amy Miller. This is excellent timing, because just other day I realized how many of her patterns had made their way into my Ravelry queue. I love her style, very simple, wearable, and featuring lots of stripes!

But like every issue of Interweave Knits, it is jam packed with gorgeous patterns. Here are some of my favorites!

Nova Cardigan by Sarah Fama

Midsummer Aran by Ginevra Martin

Albers Pullover by Julia Farwell-Clay

Admiral’s Knot Halter by Ashley Rao

What do you think of this issue? Any design you’re casting on right away?

Manos del Uruguay Alegria

Posted by Kate on May 20, 2013 / Leave a Comment

I suppose I should blog about Alegria from Manos del Uruguay, before it flies off our shelves! Our customers seem to really love this yarn! Each skein has a generous 445 yards of fingering weight yarn, and it is a blend of 75% superwash Merino and 25% nylon. We carry a lot of Merino at Happy Knits, but this particular yarn feels softer and squishier than usual!
What really stands out are the colors! Alegria is hand dyed with stunning splashes of color. Whether you want a bold jewel tone, a striking neon shade, or a pastel wash of color, Alegria is a wonderful choice for socks, a shawl, or a lightweight summer garment.