SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 20 theconnectionsnj.com CREATIVECORNER Spring Knitting By Carolyn Hanson All of the pieces here are top-down construction, meaning there are no seams needed to attach the front to the back, or to insert the sleeves. A big plus! When you are done knitting, you are ready to wear. Another advantage…it can be tried on as you go. A disadvantage… there is a lot more frogging (Rip-it, Rip-it..haha) to fix a mistake since front, back and sleeves are connected. So, fix yoke mistakes early. Wraps are always fun. They can be worn as a scarf or drop around shoulders. One of my favorites is the Phiaro Scarf by Katie Himmelberg. This scarf starts off by knitting in the round using any non-wool fiber, cotton, bamboo or linen. The transformation from a simple stockinette tube to this beautiful wrap with brained fringe is stunning. The Osaka Scarf by ITO Yarn and Design is another simple stockinette piece. This one uses 5 skeins of silk mohair. Cast on and knit until the skein is finished, then switch to the next color and do the same. My version was enhanced with geometric designs before and after completing the piece. I used striping, intarsia and duplicate stitching to create an asymmetric interest. All patterns are available on Ravelry.com. ime to shed the scarves, wool hats and heavy sweaters-spring is finally here! What to make? Transitional pieces like short sleeve tees and tops, lightweight vests, lightweight cardigans, wraps and purses. Switch fibers from heavy wools to lightweight merino, cottons, linen, bamboo and silk. For short sleeve tees, try the Sea Glass Tee by Wool and Pine. This is a great stash buster project made with fingering yarn/sock yarn and as many or as few colors and materials as available. My version used sock yarn, cashmere, silk mohair, and lightweight merino wools in a pink/gold/cream color palette. I randomly chose 2 colors from one basket, knitted 2 rows alternating colors every other stitch. It’s comfortable and great for cool spring days or under a jean jacket. Another is Cumulus Tee by PetiteKnit. Love the V-neckline on this simple tee. Comfortable and easy wearing. Many sizes from XXL to 5XL. Made with silk and linen. Neck and sleeves have an i-cord edge. This one is on my list for spring. A favorite spring vest is Sauve by Woolfolk Design Team. The yarn is merino and linen. It can be worn over a tee or as a sleeveless top. If a longer version is preferred, it’s easy to add length. The armhole, neck and bottom are ribbed. The placard is picked up and double knit with buttonholes. For a lightweight cardigan, Junie by Audrey Borrego is a go to piece. Knit with a lightweight merino wool. The lace design accentuates the sleeves and bottom edge. This version repeated the design fully around the bottom, rather than just the sides. Love when makers enhance the pattern. T
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