I'd like to share my most recent test knit, or preview knit as Brooklyn Tweed calls them. The pattern arrives complete and they ask for knitters to knit it up in any yarn or color (as long as you get gauge) to show other knitters the possibilities of one pattern. I've test/preview knit for BT many times and my experience has always been positive. 

Here is my new shawl, Summersky. The pattern is meant to be knit with a gradient set but I didn't have any gradients in my stash. I did however have some black Shibui Maai and white Rowan Kidsilk Glamour and I love to wear black and white.

Summersky is shaped like a rectangle with pointed ends and knit in two pieces. As I was finishing the first piece I had an inspired thought to switch the predominant color for the second half while still keeping it black and white. Since this was a test I asked the designer and she agreed it could look great, but honestly, I don't think either one of us realized just how fantastic it would turn out! I simply love it and it looks gorgeous with just about anything I toss it over. 

After the two halves are knitted from tip to center, they are joined seamlessly with triangles. The instructions are easy to memorize, making it perfect for TV and travel knitting. The color possibilities are endless, and I really encourage you to look at what the testers came up with, here. It comes in three sizes and I made the second size. The pattern includes a page that shows different color effects plus a template for your own color experimentation. This is a pattern that I can't wait to make again and am thinking about this subtle cafe au lait light and dark combo below. I've got enough cream Kidsilk Haze Glamour leftover and can add that too. Won't this be gorgeous and sophisticated?

Now I don't want to alarm you and think that I've decorated for fall while it's still summer--that won't happen around here for a few more weeks, but, for the last few years these pomegranate branches sold out quickly.  If in the past you've ordered these too late and were disappointed, now is the time to order while they are still in stock. They are very attractive with silky leaves and the realistic scraggly look of a real pomegranate tree! We have pom trees around our neighborhood and this is exactly how they look.  Just one or two sets of these pomegranate branches will get you ready for fall. I just purchased another set of orange and I also have a set of red for my kitchen that I can keep out through December. Click here to purchase. One question before I go, will you decorate for fall and when?

You could fill out the bouquet with faux fall leafy branches but I adore this scraggly minimalistic look!

 

Modine designed by Paula Pereira for Brooklyn Tweed

My Ravelry project page

Purchase Rowan Softyak DK at Rowan and also ON SALE at Jimmy Beans.

I've been singing Softyak's praises forever, but honestly once you knit with it, I'm certain you'll fall in love forever. It is a chainette type yarn, a blend of cotton, yak and nylon, is cashmere soft, has a fabulous needle glide, is machine washable and resists pilling. I used Plateau for the main color, a charcoal with a sophisticated touch of teal. This is my grandson's favorite yarn, and at age 5, he is quite picky! We call it pajama yarn because it's so soft. I hope you try it and let me know what you think. I just purchased a sweater's worth in Heath, a muted purple.