Last week’s blog alluded to a potential KAL featuring Shellie Anderson’s new pattern Linea. It’s definitely happening, and our official cast-on day will be Saturday April 27 at 1pm! If you’d like to join us from afar, please check out our Ravelry group to tune in, post progress and weigh in on your own Linea experience.
This pattern was released after I was knee deep knitting up Mitchell, a chic-as-all-get-out poncho from Shibui designs featuring their new yarn Vine. While Anderson’s Linea appeals to me in its Vine version (it’s crisp, summery and unique) I see infinite potential for yarn choices for this project. I think I may approach Linea in something different than Vine, just because I’ve already had a good opportunity to work with this lovely new yarn.
I just downloaded and read the pattern for Linea and it’s typical Anderson in that it’s timeless, cool and easy to execute. It starts with a German Twisted Cast-On (a new favorite cast-on of mine… I don’t know why I chose to ignore it for so many years) and uses German Short Rows for some hem shaping. One could easily omit these design details, making their own Linea totally unique. That said, they add a nice touch. Anderson also notes that row gauge is important to this pattern since it impacts the height of each stripe. If your row gauge is off, consider modifying the number of rows knitted for each stripe (a good question to bring to our cast-on day, assuming you’ve come with your swatch done)!
I’m trying to figure out what yarn I’ll be choosing for my own Linea. I’m having trouble narrowing it down. Here are a bunch of possibilities:
Patty is knitting up her own Linea in a pink and white combination of this yarn. Rowan Cotton Cashmere has an easy hand to it. It’ll be easy to work with, comfortable to wear and have a nice, lightweight drape to it.
Queensland Savanna
This silk and linen blend is ideal for spring and summer knits. It comes in a bevy of beautiful colors. I have knit my own summer sweaters in this yarn and can attest to how lovely this yarn is to work with and to wear.
I’m leaning toward working with Daisy, in a bright yellow (I’m going through a yellow phase) and white. It has a quintessential linen quality to it, with a richness offered by the hemp and silk blended with it. We’ve seen Daisy in action and it’s one of KOCT’s most popular yarns for a reason.
Work with this versatile fingering-weight yarn at a 22 stitches/4” gauge to give you a soft and lovely drape. We’ve worked with Cozette like this plenty of time before (see our Swan’s Twist sample) with absolutely lovely results.
Elsbeth Lavold Silk & Wool
This classic silk and wool blend spans years and seasons. It’s light and easy on the hands. It has a slightly tweedy texture but is soft and wearable for all. It comes in so many beautiful colors, including an olive that is attractive to me year after year.
For obvious reasons. I hope to have my Mitchell sample at the shop so you can see for yourself how awesome this yarn is after its been worked up.
Juniper Moon’s Findley DK
This dk-weight yarn is a blend of silk and wool and absolutely luminous. It’s a perfect weight for this project, and will give you a project with a bit of sheen and more drape. This would be perfect for anyone who wants to see their Linea looking a little more dressy.
This new textured yarn from Lana Grossa will add some interesting texture to your Linea. Pick two relatively monotone colors or even work one stripe of Stromboli with one stripe of Capri!
Get your wheels turning as you think about your own yarn choices for our Linea KAL. We are ready to answer questions and guide you through your choices. The NJ Wool Walk is a great time to stop by and pick up all the supplies you need for this project! If you’d like to join our KAL, email us at info@woolandgrace.com and check out our Ravelry Group online to keep tabs on the progress of other Linea knitters!
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