When you think of classic cables and textures in the modern knitwear scene, Amy Christophers immediately comes to mind. From heavily cabled cardigans such as Acer and Stonecutters to simply elegant staple pieces like Larch and Bailey, Amy’s attention to detail and silhouette are always pushing the hand knitting industry into a more modern light. Right before we left for TNNA, Amy previewed her latest book, New American Knits, and we’re excited to share that not one, but three of our yarns are featured!
First up, the Wyath Shrug featuring Terra in Black Locust Bark. The shrug is soft, drapey and warm. The design is a perfect compliment to the modern and slubby Terra.
From the book: “This oversize, slouchy shrug worked in a waffle stitch and knit-as-you-go I-cord edging is a little deceptive in its simplicity: worked horizontally, the seams are grafted and the arm openings finished with an applied I-cord. The result is a perfect balance of refined and rustic, like the work of the artist Andrew Wyeth.”
The Georgia Sweater, designed using Savannah, is a classic pullover with subtle contrast details at the neck and deep 2 x 2 ribbing (my favorite!) at the cuffs and hem.
From the book: “This classic raglan sweater, named for painter Georgia O’Keefe, is given bohemian drama and interest with an oversize focal flower. The crochet slip-stitch embroidery, inspired by the hippie style of my Vermont childhood, is beautiful but optional; you can work as much or as little of it as you like. The sweater is a blank canvas for creative expression.”
Savannah is a spectacular sweater yarn, and the blank-canvas this design provides is a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Last but not least, the Rockwell Hat is a quintessential Amy design. Knit using Acadia, the hat utilised the slubby tweedy texture of the yarn to its best advantage through the use of small cable twists and a repeating geometric pattern.
From the book: “The acorn motif on this hat, knit in the gorgeous Acadia tweed, was inspired by Norman Rockwell’s Americana. All the twists and textures are reminiscent of Tyrolean knitting, but this motif cable is actually fairly simple, with a short pattern repeat and a few relaxing resting rounds, too.”
For more information on all of the designs in this classic book, check out the Ravelry page here, or the book page on Interweave here. Beautiful work, Amy! – KGO