Whit's Knits: Slip Stitch Dishtowels

These dishtowels look really complicated to make, don't they? I love that because, just like you want hard things to look easy, it's a great coup to make easy things look difficult!

These three stitch patterns all come from Barbara Walker's classic Treasury of Knitting Patterns and are created by the simple technique of hiding yarns behind slipped stitches. There's no tricky stranding or two-hand knitting or even issues of tension; there's just the easy matter of slipping stitches and watching as amazing patterns emerge!

Slip stitch color patterns are terrific for scarves (check out Laura's gorgeous Reversible Stripes Scarf), sweaters, blankets and even dishtowels. For these, I looked for patterns that would evoke traditional kitchen textiles: no-nonsense designs with the geometry of vintage linens.

And for a yarn that would match these hard-working stitch patterns I chose Louet's Euroflax 100% linen. As tough and absorbent as any fiber around, linen is a great friend to have over your shoulder when you're cooking up something good!

You can pick up all the Euroflax linen you'll need with our Yarn for Slip Stitch Dishtowels kit. Choose either this crisp and classic Indigo colorway or our Natural palette of earthy neutrals.

Either way, happy slip stitching! -Whitney

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Molly's Sketchbook: Embroidered Cotton Jumper

Last fall I espoused the simplicity and versatility of the huipil with my Embroidered Denim Jumper. Its timeless shape is easy to sew and even easier to wear, but my favorite part of the huipil is, of course, its unique and beautiful hand embroidered yoke.

This summer I wanted to make one for my year-old daughter. There is no better warm weather outfit, and there’s no one I’d rather sew for than her! For Lupe’s dress I used breezy Kona Cotton in bright white and adorned the neckline with playful zig zag embroidery in a candy-colored rainbow of DMC floss.

I can’t wait to put little Lupe in this crisp summery Embroidered Cotton Jumper! It’s classic and one-of-a-kind, just like her! --Molly

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Laura's Loop: Rib-Wise Tank

"It’s tank top season y'allllllll!!!!!!!” This was recently yelled in my direction by a peppy pilates instructor who I think would have rather been teaching a 90s hip-hop sculpt class. As my arms began to burn, I bristled at the proclamation, but once in the comfort and security of my couch, knitting needles in hand, I had to admit that she was right. It IS tank top season, y’all.

This simple Rib-Wise Tank is just right for the season with a bit of room to breathe but not so much that you’re weighed down in the heat. Ribbing along the sides, straps and between the shoulder blades creates subtle shaping and streamlining, while Anzula’s beautiful new Milky Way offers a soft shine, a slight drape and a cool touch.

You know, I learned something else that day at the gym… It’s SHORTS season y’alllllll!!!! But don’t worry, I need to spend a lot more time in the gym before you see knit shorts from me! -Laura

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Corinne's Thread: Heirloom Needle Case

I learned to sew from my mom, who learned from my grandma, who learned from my great-grandma, and so it goes, each mom passing down her own bit of wisdom to her own daughter. But what unfortunately didn’t get passed down to me were anyone's tools or supplies!

Now, with a daughter of my own, my heart melts as she toddles up to my machine and tells me she’s going to “do a little bit of sewing.” I am excited to teach her all the knowledge that I’ve gleaned from the sewing moms before me, but I also hope to pass on to her what I didn’t get: the supplies she’ll need to build a toolbox of her own.

I made this Heirloom Needle Case with both me and my daughter in mind. It’s the perfect way for me to keep all my needles organized now, but I also see it as a little treasure that I can pass on to Ruth years from now as she pulls out her needles to learn the perfect blind stitch.  

This case is made with Robert Kaufman’s Waterford Linen and Mary Flanagan’s Felted Wool in a stunning bright yellow. The two materials are beautiful on their own, but when fused together, they create a whole new fabric that is soft and sturdy, perfect for keeping sharp needle points away from tender fingers. Strips of Cotton Twill Tape hold all the needles in place and won’t stretch or fray over time. Fortunate, because I’m hoping this will last me, and Ruth, for quite a while!  

– Corinne

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Corinne's Thread: Baby Pants

Big marble eyes and tiny toes, bobbly heads and Lilliputian arms, babies’ disproportions are just intrinsically adorable. But for me, the real charmer has always been the sweet baby bottom! I love the way puffy diapers make a baby’s backside so over-sized and perfect for patting. 

Since finding out that I was expecting my second child, I knew I would need to celebrate her finest feature with a comfy, cozy pair of Baby Pants. These trousers, with their rear gusset, make room for even the squishiest of tushes! 

The curved gusset seam offers a little bit of challenge for this otherwise easy-as-pie project. And with patterns for sizes 0-9 months, you can make a set in every size. You’ll be needing them sooner than you think! 

For the fabric I chose Kiyohara’s Linen Blend Solid, one of the softest fabrics out there, and it only gets better with wash and wear.  Plus, I couldn’t resist a pop of a beautiful Liberty of London in the back, right on the cute spot! - Corinne

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