Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of Silk

Post By // Kristin F

• L-R //
• Jenny Layers Silk Cloud

The groundhog has come and gone, and, while the February sun has occasionally crept out, it's still chilly here in Portland. I am so very ready for spring, but my wardrobe is still about wooly layers. This ethereal layering piece is a perfect solution for the winter wardrobe blahs...it looks fresh, but is still cozy and warm!

The pattern, No. 2 in the Shibui Mix series, is a simple tunic, knit in one piece from the bottom up, with Silk Cloud held double. There is a subtle striping pattern that keeps the knitting process fun, and the high content of silk in Silk Cloud keeps the itch factor away. A false side seam, and integral sleeves with a slight dolman make for minimal finishing; weave in the ends, block, and layer away!

We made this sample in wardrobe basic colors: Ash and Ivory, but I've been having swatch fun combining Rust with Watermelon and Suit with Abyss. Go light, go bright, go dark; you have so many options when you mix up yarns with Shibui!

Mix Message

Post By // Kristin F

• UP //
• Mix No. 3, 3 ways

We are starting off the new year with a new way of thinking about knitting. Allow me to introduce you to the Shibui Mix concept; a brand new series of patterns, based on the idea of giving you, the knitter, the power to design your own bespoke yarns.

We have created a series of 6 (for now; more to follow!) designs that utilize the idea of using two strands of yarn to create a unique knitting fabric. Each of the flattering, simply constructed garments work up quickly, and require minimal finishing.

Let's start in the middle with Mix No. 3. This flexible accessory is worked from the center out, starting with just a few stitches, which is a great way to get used to the concept of double stranding. By combining Silk Cloud with Staccato, alternating stripes of sheer and opaque fabric shimmer from the silk content of both yarns. We adore Jenny in Watermelon, but I love my Suit scarf, and Sara N. is hard at work on her Dijon/Flaxen version.

So, don't be restricted by single skein-itis...there are so many creative ways to mix it up with Shibui! Check back--we'll be sharing another design next week.

Array of Light

Post By // Kristin F

• UP//
• Array

A new year begs for a fresh start, knittingwise, as gift knitting grinds to a halt. While it is not yet time for Spring knitting, the hands and needles yearn for something fresh and clean; hence, Array.

A simple slipped stitch becomes special when worked with two very different yarns in contrasting hues. I chose two of my favorite fibers for this versatile cowl; Merino Alpaca, a worsted weight blend with incredible stitch definition, juxtaposed against fingering weight, silky Staccato. The contrast in weight and content make the texture pop in this chic accessory, and the Watermelon Staccato provides the perfect punch to the beautiful backdrop of Merino Alpaca in Ash.

And, because we are so grateful to all of the Shibui fans who helped make 2011 a banner year for us, we are offering you the pattern for Array gratis; with a click of your mouse, it's yours to have, and share with your knitting cohorts.

Go forth and create, and be sure to post your projects on ravelry; we can't wait to see what incredible color combinations that you design!

Post-Holiday Blue

Post By // Kristin F

• UP //
• Jenny wears Laverne

At this time of year, my rods and cones are glazed from a holiday overload of red and green, which is why I am focusing my eyes on Laverne, and its fresh, clean essence of Staccato in Tide.

Another of Olga's polished and innovative designs in Shibui Silk, which we will release January 1, this crisp little sweater can be styled a multiple of ways. The I-cord drawstring can be pulled up for a gathered effect, or left hanging, as shown above on Jenny, for a casual swingy profile.

Laverne is worked sideways from the front edge, and is cleverly constructed to minimize the bane of most knitters-seaming. So shake off the winter blues, cast on Laverne in Tide....or Apple....or Watermelon and jump start your spring wardrobe!

The Back Issue

Post By // Kristin F

• L-R //
• Francis Front
• Francis Back

I love a little surprise every now and then (the good kind) and Francis from Shibui Silk is best kind of surprise. This easy piece, knit in textural Heichi, looks like a well-designed simple tee from the front, but when you turn around, the wrapped and curvy back opening sets Francis apart from the crowd.

Olga once again shows her innovation and design savvy, creating a design that is worked horizontally, in a single piece, using a maximum of 8 skeins of 100% silk Heichi. She chose the ocean blue Canal for her design; as you can see, it works great with denim. Any of our 5 (FIVE!) new colors of Heichi.....Chestnut, Hydrant, Spore, Caffeine, or Sidewalk would be wonderful options as well.

Here's another little surprise from Francis; she's completely reversible. Turn it around for a completely different look, layered over a tee or even a simply shaped dress.

And, now...your Shibui Silk countdown update.....proofs back from the printer; they look amazing! We're on schedule for the January 1 release, so there's one more reason to celebrate the New Year!

The Com[pleat] Package

Post By // Kristin F

• UP//
• Jenny wears Tulsa

What's not to love about this great little scarf? If you've never tried the Pleating stitch, this is the project for you; it takes just 3 skeins of the gorgeous, silky Staccato, and is yet another innovative design from the wonderful Olga and our new book, Shibui Silk.

Shown here in the color Redwood, this interesting piece of texture would be gorgeous in any of the Staccato solids. A ruffly, seaweedy piece in Artichoke is my first choice, but a springy version in Watermelon is also on the horizon. The high percentage of silk in Staccato gives the scarf a sumptuous drape and makes it a pleasure to wear.

Okay, let's begin the countdown....Shibui Silk is on schedule for its January 1 release. Let your favorite LYS know that it's on the way...and reserve a copy of this limited edition that is sure to become a coveted classic!

Pocket Pick

Post By // Kristin F

• UP //
• Jenny in Arnett

Another chilly day (without rain...can this really be Oregon?) has my hands longing for shelter; I tend to lose gloves and therefore have a deep and abiding love of pockets. It seems like a good time to share another sneak peek of the magic that Olga has created for the upcoming book, Shibui Silk.

Olga engineered this amazing piece using a strand of Heichi in the color Brick, held together with Silk Cloud in the Rust colorway. Completely reversible, the oversized front band hides buttons that can be fastened to create pockets for days like today. Left undone, the swingy hemline gives a very different silhouette; change it even more by wearing it inside out...the seams are cleverly finished to work either way.

The tweedy, 100% silk Heichi is given a soft and subtle glow by entwining it with Silk Cloud, and our new colorways lend themselves to some pretty amazing combinations. Our new Heichi color, Caffeine, paired with Camel Silk Cloud is my choice for a wear-with-everything piece, or maybe I'll do a denimy combination of Canal and Suit...too many choices!

The January release of Shibui Silk is on schedule, so start your New Year off right; call your LYS to reserve a copy now of this limited edition gem! Check on facebook and ravelry for details of the launch, and come back here for more sneak peeks!