The Harrow Collection
It's October 1, which means that autumn is really right now! And to celebrate my favorite season, I give you The Harrow Collection.
The Harrow Collection |
This collection is a collaboration with Malabrigo Yarns for their Freelance Pattern Project. Every month, they feature a new ebook (sometimes a few) from independent designers and I was lucky enough to get October as my month.
I knew I wanted to design something that would give a nod to Halloween and the Day of the Dead without just making a collection of costumes. This Pinterest pin board gives a good feel for the mood I was in when I was designing these patterns.
I was thinking elegant, but cozy; old-fashioned, but practical. Now I know someone is going to say that knitted bloomers with buttoned lace edgings and silk ribbons are not practical.
Issa's Bloomers |
I have to disagree. Fancy bloomers make a lady feel fancy for one, which is a very worthy effect. Not only that, but they can be worn around the house instead of sweat pants, or even better, under that too-short skirt! Imagine wearing these with a floofy skirt, tall leg warmers, and clompy boots for the perfect fall ensemble. (Good for autumn bike riding too!)
Issa's Bloomers |
Whittingham is a square lace wrap with a lacy knitted-on edging. It's the perfect size for wrapping around your shoulders to keep out the chill or draping over your lap for a long evening of knitting. I like to wear it as a scarf because the luscious Malabrigo fabric and the lace edging gives it this wonderfully dramatic look.
Whittingham |
The lace is worked on both right and wrong sides, but it's very rhythmic, and both my testers and I really enjoyed knitting it. The heavy worsted weight gauge makes the project go surprisingly quickly.
Whittingham |
When curled up knitting next to a roaring fire, you don't just need fancy old-fashioned underwear and a lace wrap, you also need slippers! Zarzamora are designed using the same lace pattern as Whittingham. I used Malabrigo Rios for these because the plied, machine washable yarn is squishy and durable as well as being Malabrigo-oh-so-soft. They're worked like a typical cuff-down sock, but the heavy weight means they're done in no time, which makes them a great gift knit.
Zarzamora |
I hope you enjoy all three patterns. They're available as individual downloads and as a collection. You can also see the collection on Ravelry.