Episode 011: Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017!

Today's topics include:

*Knit Along News

*What we are Working on

*the Top 17 Trends of 2017, a Countdown to Celebrate Knitting!

*Predictions for 2018

*and, our Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017

Today's stash hiding space was shared by LongCool on Ravelry.  This raveler's stash has grown from 1 bin to 4 and from one cabinet to two in her mudroom.  Luckily, her newly adopted mastiff is keeping the territory safe from prying eyes and intruders.  Thank you for sharing your hiding space with us, Jessica!

A few weeks ago, we were able to meet Boston Jen of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast and Mary of Kino Knits over a brunch at R House in Baltimore City.  Jen recently released the Megarow shawl, a top down, asymmetrical crescent-shaped shawl that alternates garter and a simple lace pattern.  Mary released a shawl and hat pattern in her collection Point/Counterpoint Volume 3 with Claire Devine.  We were thrilled to meet these two talented women!

Knit Along News

The Knitters Book Club, is scheduled to begin January 1st, 2018.  Over the course of three months, we will read "A Stash of One's Own" by Clara Parkes and knit a project designed by one of the contributors.  We will chat about the book and gush over everyone's knitting using Google Hang Out.  Join us for a special New Years Day Cast On Party!  Post a picture of your freshly started project on Instagram using #knittersbookclubkal.  Please see the Misadventures in Knitting Ravelry group for complete information, a bundle of potential patterns, and a chat thread.

Tara is considering the Voe Sweater by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers.  Ashley may cast on the Aestlight Shawl by Gudrun Johnston and/or the Ruche Beret by Susan B. Anderson.

What we are working on:

Tara finished the Suprise Party Shawl by Helen Stewart.  She used Primrose Adelaide (single ply/fingering weight) with "Don't Fear the Reaper" as the main color.

Tara finished a pair of vanilla socks using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.  She used Lollipop Yarn Quintessential/Gripes base in the "Witches Brew" colorway.

Tara had a boost of sock mojo and casted on two pairs of Christmas socks using a traditional heel flap.  She is using Gynx Yarn in the "Cheers" colorway and West Yorkshire Spinners in the "Holly Berry" colorway.

Ashley finished the 21 Color Slouch by Virginia Sattler-Reimer using a kit by Blue Sky Fibers.  She made a few mods for a better fit.

Ashley is working on a pair of Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman using Two Sisters Yarn Company's self-striping in the "Pippi to the Rescue" colorway.

Ashley decided to use her Nox Yarns Advent for the Land of Sweets Cowl by Helen Stewart.

Tara is working on Angel in my Tiny Pocket by Melissa Kemmerer using Jill Draper Esopus, which is discontinued.

Top 17 Trends of 2017

17.) The Fringe Field Bag with Pins

16.)  Pullovers!

Andrea Mowry,  Isabell Kraemer and Caitlin Hunter are leading this trend.

15.)  Crochet

The Lost in Time Shawl by Johanna Lindahl and the Virus Shawl by Julia Marquardt are very popular, as are the Attic 24 patterns.  

14.)  Colorwork

Caitlin Hunter's Sunset Highway, Ninilchik Poncho, Zweig , and Birkin were mentioned. 

Gudrun Johnston and the Bousta Beanie.

13.) Accessible Knitting

Vanilla socks.  Garter stitch shawls.

12.)  Videocasting

 The Grocery Girls and Kristy Glass Knitswere mentioned.

11.)  mKALs

 Everyone has one!

10.) The Me-Made Wardrobe

 Ashley mentioned Made by Rae, Grainline Studio, and Blue Print Sewing.

9.) Indie Dyers

8.)  The Neon to Pastel Color Transition

 La Bien Amiee and Olann were mentioned.

The Panton color of 2018 is Ultra Violet.

7.)  Speckles!

6.)  Brioche

 Lesley Anne Robinson was mentioned.

5.) BATs: Big A** Tassels!

 What the Fade and Ohra Shawl were mentioned.

4.) BAPs:  Big A** Poms!!

 Faux and real fur!

3.) BASs:  Big A** Shawls!!!

 Tara mentioned the larger than life Degreenify by Josh Ryks-Robinsky.

2.) Craftivism

There is a hat for every cause!

 Pussy Hats  and the Come Together Blanket by Kat Coyle were mentioned.

1.) FADES

Thanks Andrea Mowry and Stephen West!

Predictions for 2018:

Tara thinks speckles will continue to be popular through 2018.  She also predicts domestically raised, spun, and dyed wool will grow in popularity and Cormo will be seen more often.

Ashley thinks the designs of Isabell Kraemer will gain even more popularity in 2018.  She also thinks heirloom quality knitting will make a come back, for example the designs of Rowan, Alice Starmore and Norah Gaughan.

Favorite Fibery Moments of 2017:

Tara and Ashley agree that starting the podcast will make 2017 memorable.  Ashley is also proud of sewing a dress that fits!