Way back in 2015 I started a new job. I was already running a business and had two yarn shops.  It was lovely, but I needed more.  I was asked to take on a territory for Euro Yarns, traveling the South Eastern United States.  I would meet with Yarn Shop Owners (My PEOPLE) and share with them the new products that my company would be bringing to market.  I love yarn and talking about yarn, so why not!!

Sitting in the office, holding brand new yarns I was struck with so many design ideas.  I made a handful of sketches in my design notebook that I worked in as a store owner to support my own yarn sales. It was five days of learning and seeing products that we absolutely inspiring.

Our Sales Manager, Thomas was dancing with an idea that we would feature independent designers’ patterns with our products.  This was a trend in the market, designers’ name recognition driving the popularity of yarns. While we were seeking to make a difference we didn’t have the ability to totally change how we were doing things, so along with our trusted design partners we featured a handful of independent designers that season. Lucky for me, I was in the right place at the right time and the Flecha cowl was the featured model garment for the FRESH Mirasol Sisa Baby Alpaca and wool.

I had the opportunity to revamp the pattern format recently, and knit a new sample! Over the years I had knit many and given them all to yarn shop owners who needed samples to help sell the yarn.  I love the Fletcha cowl lace.  It is a great introduction to working from a chart for lace work.  It is rythmic and easy to memorize.  Paired with super squishy Alpaca it is warm and light.

The Pattern: Fletcha Cowl

The Yarn: Mirasol Sisa, 60% Merino Wool, 40% Alpaca Worsted Weight, 137 yards 50g Skeins

The Designer: Whitney Terrell

The Details: This chain construction yarn is lofty and light. The yardage is above average thanks to that clever construction.  The Fletcha cowl takes only two skeins or 250 yards of your favorite worsted weight.  Shown below, the grey version is Jill Draper Windham. The beautiful tonality of this yarn is not lost in the gentle pattern of the lace. The Cream sample is Sisa and is cloud-like and luscious. Either way, the project is a dream.

At the beginning of April I revamped the Spring Dew hat pattern I originally released back in 2014… I think thats the right year.  I had paired up with a favorite local dyer, who sadly has moved on another path.  It was time to refresh the sample with a current yarn and add a cowl pattern to the mix.  I love a good cowl and hat pattern combo.  I also love the ability to match up my sets. Makes wearing a coat that much more fun to have matching accessories and added warmth.

Pattern: Spring Dew Hat and Cowl

Yarn: The Fiber Seed Sprout DK – 250 yards/ 100 grams 90% washable American Merino 10% Nylon.  Shown in the colors Liptmus and Tiffany … Two skeins does the whole set!!

Designer: Whitney Terrell – Thats Me!!!

Check out all the additional projects over on Ravelry and grab a pattern for your own Safer At Home Knitting!!

Well,  a 3 month hiatus on life thanks to Covid-19 sure slowed down the blogging.  It didn’t however slow down the knitting, making and designing.

Now I am back on the road in the open states of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.  I am actively getting a hold on things.  And I am realizing how valuable that break was!!!  This is the first season that I have felt relaxed going back out to work, despite all the extra steps of masks, added hand washing and near constant hand sanitizing, it just feels right to be in Yarn Shops.

So thanks – thank you for reading, thank you for knitting and thank you for hanging in there!