January Newsletter: Winter Sweater KAL

Winter Sweater KAL: Lettlopi Cardigan Coat

I'm making this pattern: #1504 Top Down Cable Cardigan to replace my ratty-tatty, much worn, pilled filled shawl collar long sweater coat (that I dearly love but has seen better days):

It's a Knitting Pure and Simple and one I've longed to tackle. After swatching between the Lettlopi and Mercado, I chose the Icelandic Lopi. I was hoping the chunky Alfasloppi would work but alas....the pattern gauge is 18st = 4" so the worsted version won. Plus the Lopi yarns are know for their lightweight lofty quality so garments are very warm but not heavy.

With my tension I'm using a #7 because it yields a tad tighter fabric, better for a jacket that needs durability over drape. I'll try on as I go and if needed pop up to next larger size if it seems to be working up smallish. Want this baby to go over my cozy, warm flannel shirts so need to have positive ease. 

At moment we have loads of Lopi  as well as Mercado (my second choice) up front and center on display. This year we had amazing woven wool Lopi Blankets in the shop and there's a few left. Decided it was perfect time to highlight the blankets (did I say how much I Love Love Love these blankets?) and showcase all the Lopi yarns while winter is still here.

Alfaslopi (chunky) and Lettlopi are listed up in our online shop with links and descriptions of why this is a unique wool. It's only in Iceland and we're lucky to have Berroco distribute here in US. Head over to the shop to read more details on this unique wool yarn.

Designer Spotlight: Diane Soucy is designer behind Knitting Pure and Simple patterns, one of the most are solid, dependable and easy patterns around. Only drawback: no schematics but that's really it. Majority of the designs are top down and classic shapes. Fit is usually generous, boxy vs. fitted, with some of her newer designs including tips on shaping to make a more fitted garment. These classic shapes are easy to tweek or change up.

On the Bookshelf

For my next book, I'm looking at this new time travel / mystery / suspense series by Julie McElwain: The Kendra Donovan Series. It's utter escapist fantasy for those who love a good time-travel story.

The protagonist is a young, up and coming FBI agent who is caught up in a disastrous mission leaving her partners dead. She then sets out to track down those responsible but instead gets caught up in a time portal and whoosh! She's in same castle location but it's 1815. Thrust into adapting into a new world., her investigative skills prove handy when a body is found dead and Kendra needs to find the killer. Plot is important so this is a series to read in order. 

A friend loved the first book up and quickly wanted the whole series. She said it was such fun to read and can't wait to read the rest. Fast-paced, fun, suspenseful.... a perfect series to gobble up. And yes...I admit it...the covers are what first attracted my attention then "time-travel" hooked me!

Newsflash!

The next installment in the Lane Winslow Series by Iona Wishaw releases April 27th!

Yeah!! Here's sneak peek of the cover: This is a fantastic series and has kept many of us happily following the adventures of Lane and her neighbors during the past year of the pandemic. I CAN'T WAIT!! I've listed it up in our online shop if anyone wants to pre-order.

 

More Good News!

There is a new Maisie Dobbs our Mar 23rd!! It's just out in hardcover so order ahead if you want a copy. Paperback won't release until 2022.

In meantime if you want something to tide you over, you can read Jacqueline's newly release memoir of her childhood in Kent, This Tine Next Year We'll Be Laughing. Also in hardcover but the paperback is out this summer. 

The above is a charming how to / inspiration book with wit and wisdom of Maisie (and Jacqueline who before her success as an author was a Life Coach!). This gem is fun to dip into when you need a bit of uplifting advice or just a dose of Maisie as we wait for her next installment to arrive! 

Traditionally March heralds a new Maisie Dobbs release. For me personally it's filled with fond memories of my first day as a new Mum, sitting outside with Jordi sleeping in his seat, me drinking tea and eating Girl Scout Carmel Delites....while reading my latest Maisie. And my beloved Siamese mama-cat, Tazzi snuggled on my lap, keeping me warm. 

 

Enjoy January Everyone!