Compare and Contrast

Post By // Lindsay

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We've been hearing requests for a more sophisticated, grown up version of our Two Color Cardigan, and so Echo, the next pattern we have to share from the new Shibui Heichi, was born. Knit with 4 - 6 skeins of each color cuff to center, and joined with a 3-needle bind off at the back seam, this gorgeous sweater is deceptively simply constructed.

It's hard to tell in these particular photos, but the front has a relaxed v-neck opening shaped with short rows and utilizing the yarn over short row technique. While I love the tonal greys, I can imagine some really beautiful versions of this sweater done up in some of the other colorways. Canal and Fountain would be absolutely gorgeous, and I'd love to see Lichen and Greenspace. This is a piece that could find a home in so many wardrobes!

I love this sweater layered over a button up as pictured, or just on its own with a pair of jeans. If you'd like to take a closer look the pattern is now up on Ravelry!

It's Elemental

Post By // Sara M

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One of the defining looks in the Portland fashion handbook is the layered dress or tunic over jeans, slacks, or leggings. My goal was to design a fashionable (and knitable) tunic/ dress that could be worn year-round - with jeans or leggings in Fall & Winter, and capris or a miniskirt in Spring & Summer. Element was the product of this quest.

The sixth pattern in our upcoming booklet, Shibui Heichi, Element is knit with just six to nine 50 gram skeins of Heichi, our new 100% silk tweed yarn, making this a light and comfortable layer (who wants to wear a bulky dress?) that will transcend the seasons well.

The idea was to go basic (so it really could be a wardrobe staple), with a few fun design elements. The A-line silhouette and slight Empire waist create a feminine look that can also go tom-boy with shorts and sandals. The scoop neck makes Element ideal for layering over t-shirts, tanks, camisoles, or even turtlenecks. And, lastly, the Seed & Slip stitch hem details add a little sophistication to such a simple design.

To add a little Portland flair to your wardrobe, be sure to queue Element on ravelry, or 'Like' it on facebook. After all, Portland style is definitely coming into its own!

High Umbra

Post By // Sara M

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Today we have a treat for those knitters looking for the perfect knitting bag... pattern! Umbra, by Lidia Tsymbal, is one of the nine amazing patterns in our upcoming booklet, Shibui Heichi.

Knit in a combination of Linen stitch and Seed stitch, the fabric is sturdy and stretch-resistent (a rare trait among knit bags). It even looks woven. Made with just 3 skeins of Heichi, it's a super quick knit at just over 300 yards. Even better, you can easily fit a project, your wallet, and cell in there - with room to spare!

Published in our soon-to-be-released booklet, Shibui Heichi, Umbra will certainly keep you styling this spring. To add it to your queue, be sure to fave it on ravelry, or 'like' it on facebook!

Under a Dusk Sky

Post By // Lindsay

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Dusk, a relaxed yet refined boyfriend style sweater, is our next preview from the new Shibui Heichi booklet. Knit from the bottom up using 9-14 skeins, Dusk features a wide v-neckline and a texture pattern across the shoulders for just a splash of detail. I just love how great this sweater looks with a pair of skinny trousers. Of all the garments in this booklet, I think Dusk is tied for my favorite (honestly, it's competing with Shadow, but it's fighting hard!). This casual piece would easily transition from season to season and look great on a variety of body types.

Dusk is now up on Ravelry if you'd like more information, or to add it to your queue!

In a whirl

Post By // Sara M

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The next garment on our Shibui Heichi preview list is my own Vortex slouch hat. Originally a design-on-the-fly project to test the first round of our new yarn, Heichi, I cast on the hat from the top and made up the pattern as I went. The final design was so popular we decided to include it in the book.

The best thing about Vortex (IMHO) is that it can be adapted to suit a knitter's needs. Being knit from the top-down, knitters can shorten the final length (making a beanie) if they only have one skein or even lengthen it for a more Rastafarian look.

The swirling pattern around the crown is achieved using elongated slip stitches and mini cables. Such a sleek and understated design makes this pattern ideal for a variety of wearers - male and female, young and old - which is a decided bonus when considering one- and two-skein projects for friends and family.

For more information about this pattern (or our upcoming booklet, Shibui Heichi), see our patterns on ravelry or preview Shibui Heichi on our website. Until next time, stay dry!

Just a Trace

Post By // Lindsay

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• trace
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We've approved the proofs and are now anxiously awaiting delivery of our new booklet, Shibui Heichi.

Our next preview is of Trace, a fitted shell with waist shaping and self-finishing armholes that is worked in the round from the bottom up.  Shown in Fountain, Trace takes 6 - 8 skeins and looks great dressed up with a skirt or down with some skinny trousers, making this versatile piece  a 'must have' for spring.

Trace is now up in the Ravelry database if you'd like to take a closer look, or add it to your queue!