Molly's Sketchbook: Pom Pom Scarf

In the winter, New Yorkers wear black. Sometimes you may see a spot of gray or even navy but rarely anything so happy as pink or turquoise or yellow. So by about now, I start to feel like I need some pigment in my life!

This Pom Pom Scarf scratches that color itch. It’s made out of silky soft 100% cotton so it’s totally comfy and will carry right over into my spring wardrobe. Kokka's beautiful Fine Solids combine with their classic  Gingham to set an elegant and unexpected stage for a playful little Pom Pom Trim. That burst of color next to a neutral background gives me just the kind of kick I'm looking for!

This is such a simple and approachable project that you may end up lining everything you own with pom pom trim, and why not? It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blahs! If you’d like to make your own, please visit my Pom Pom Scarf Journal here.  Thanks!—Molly

Laura's Loop: Grecian Rib Scarf

Someone once told me, "If you aren't ready to rip it out, then you aren't ready to knit." Years later, I fully understand. Ripping things out, or rather the ability to rip things out, is one of the many reasons I love to knit. Another reason, which goes hand-in-hand, is that I never stop learning from knitting. And now, a quick tale of both...

Recently I was working on a project that was sure to be my favorite of the season. It was a vintage-inspired, fitted cardigan vest. I had worked out the shaping and paired it with a (new-to-me) handsome stitch I had just fallen in love with, the Grecian Rib Stitch. I was sure the combination of the stitch with the cut couldn't be beat! Oh, how wrong I was. 

The Grecian Rib Stitch slants... a lot... even after blocking. I finished the back of the vest, and suspicious, I rigorously blocked it, only to see my askew darts still pointing off toward the top left shoulder. What should have been somewhat of a rectangle turned out to be quite the rhombus. Needless to say, I started ripping. The good news: one, I learned the nuances of this lovely stitch, and two, the Grecian Rib Scarf was born.

The Grecian Rib Stitch lends itself beautifully to bias knitting, with softly textured ribs that move gracefully from one corner to the other. And for total elegance (and comfort!), I used Jade Sapphire's sumptuous Zaego 6-ply cashmere.It's so soft and beautiful, I felt lucky to use it, not just once, but twice!  

While it's no vest, this Grecian Rib Scarf makes me smile and is, in fact, a favorite of mine. Here's to ripping things out, may it be rare, but fruitful! To make your very own, you can find the project journal here! -Laura

Molly's Sketchbook: A New Adjustable Unisex Apron and Simple Dishtowels

Since making my Adjustable Unisex Apron last summer, it has become a real staple in my kitchen! It is now worn-in and soft from repeated washes, and it proudly displays fabric ink smudged across the chest and spaghetti sauce stains on the pocket. Somehow these battle scars just add to the apron's beauty. I’ve been hankering to make another one because, as I mentioned in the original post, I wear aprons all the time, and I love to stock pile favorites!

Purl Soho recently got some incredible new fabrics from Japan that begged to be my next Adjustable Apron, but choosing proved difficult! There  was a light Linen Blend Solid in beautiful natural colors, a heavier Upholstery Weight Solid, and an absorbent, soft, and totally unique Herringbone. I loved each more than the next! And so, I used all three and ended up with an awesome new apron and a lovely set of three simple dishtowels finished with pretty Cotton Chambray Ribbon.

I’m especially excited about the dishtowel pattern, because if there’s one thing I use more than my apron, it’s dishtowels! Don't be fooled by their professional finish; they're totally easy! The apron and dishtowels together would make an incredible housewarming or wedding gift. The apron adjusts to fit anyone, and the dishtowels are pretty enough to be special and sturdy enough to use everyday. Best of all, the whole shebang can be sewn in an afternoon!  If you’d like to make your own set, please visit my Simple Dishtowels journal here and my Adjustable Unisex Apron journal here. Thanks!-- Molly

Join the Purl Soho Team!

Purl Soho is hiring, and we're turning to you to find our newest employee! We are looking for a passionate person to join our New York City retail team. This is a great opportunity to work in a high energy, creative environment with an amazing staff of like-minded people. We are looking for a very friendly and enthusiastic person who loves helping customers and sharing his or her passion for materials and crafts!

The Job

The most important part of this job is building relationships with our incredible customers. This includes everything from explaining the layout of the store to selecting the perfect materials for an upcoming project! You will also help with the daily duties that keep our store running smoothly: re-stocking shelves, ringing up customers, and assembling our unique kits and fabric bundles. Purl Soho is in a prominent location on Broome Street and can get extremely busy; applicants should appreciate a fast-paced environment! You must also be available 20 to 30 hours per week and on both weekend days.

How to Apply 

If you're interested in applying for the position, please email hiring@purlsoho.com before 12pm on Thursday, February 9th. Please attach your resume, cover letter in PDF form, and any photos of your creative work you’d like to share. We look forward to hearing from you!

Whit's Knits: Two-Color Crocheted Cowl

We have a long history of knitted cowls here at the Purl Bee, but this is actually our very first crocheted cowl! It's an omission we are happy to finally correct because crochet lends itself so beautifully to pretty stitch patterns and easy tube shapes. Inspired by Joelle's amazing Granny Stripe Blanket, I love the gentle texture of this pattern, like shimmering fish scales or the delicate inside of a sunflower.

The Two-Color Cowl is made especially lovely with Jade Sapphire's 2 Ply Cashmere, a one hundred percent pure Mongolian cashmere delight. Feather light and whisper downy, it makes a seriously cozy cowl. And Jade Sapphire's gorgeous hand dyed colors make up the perfect palette for inspired combinations, from high impact contrasts (like ours!) to gentler tonal shifts, whatever your mood this season!

To hook up your own Two-Color Crocheted Cowl, please visit my Project Journal right here! Thanks! - Whitney