Yarn Pairings for Laine Issue 8

It's Laine! Issue 8 - Kelo. Featuring the work of 11 designers: Justyna Lorkowska, Denise Bayron, Libby Jonson, Julie Dubreux, Leeni Hoimela, Astrid Troland, Sus Gepard, Éveline Cantin-Bergeron, Jenny Sauselein and Marjorie Martin. As always we are in awe of the magic Laine manages to conjure up, and this issue is no exception. Featuring jumpers, socks, cardigans, shawls, there is something for everyone. Of course it is not just knitting patterns, but contains articles, recipes and interviews which all together make Laine one of those publications we just have to have. Let's take a look between the covers and drool and dream over this collection. As always I have put together my recommended yarn pairings from Knit With Attitude. Honeydew by Justyna Lorkowska is a stunningly cosy looking jumper. Knit holding two strands together, something fuzzy and something smooth. You know this one is going to be a joy to wear. An over-sized rolled neckband and overall relaxed look make for a comfortable garment. The body is given texture by an all over stitch repeat, which will add interest to the design, but also interest to the process. Knit this in something luxury, The Fibre Co. Cumbria would give great definition to textured stitches and I think the colours of that yarn are spot on for this. For the fuzz try Fyberspates Cumulus with an array of pleasing complimentary colours that would work well with the Cumbria. Georgie by Libby Jonson is a textural masterpiece. A stunning all over open lace repeat gives drama, but the slouchy fit is unpretentious, making this a great go-to jumper for throwing on. Make it the comfiest thing ever and knit it in  Blue Sky Fibres Alpaca Sport Grace by Denise Bayron looks like the cosiest of classic sweaters. Elegant shaping with a simple cable motif running down the centre front. Worked seamlessly from the top down with raglan increases for the yoke and sleeves. Quick to knit, this will become a wardrobe staple. Knit this in an easy to knit cosy yarn like Hillesvåg Troll for that iconic cabled jumper vibe. Pasvik by Julie Dubreux is an amazingly multi functional piece. Unbuttoned, it’s a simple wrap or a little blanket – and buttoned up, it becomes a shrug, overcoat or a poncho! A sinewy collection of purl stitches trace around the design, giving life and energy to the whole garment. Try Àrd-Thìr, the twist in this yarn gives it great structure and will lend itself to great definition of the pattern. Heather by Ash Alberg - Look at the detail on this pair of socks! The perfect lacey treat to get stuck into. Worked from the toe up, so perfect for choosing a long or short style. A yarn that will give good definition and hold the pattern repeats like Hey Mama Wolf Sockyarn #04 would be perfect. Uoma by Leeni Hoimela is a dynamic jumper with a bold motif. A clever use of texture here creates a top that is fun to knit and fun to wear. Taking the graphic shape of a diagonal line and bringing a quirky design statement. ‘Uoma’ meaning a riverbed which is very apt for the strong crossed stitch lines, like the flow of water.  A simple seamless top down construction and knit in a merino silk blend. Try  Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply or if you are looking for some speckled action the Hedgehog Fibres Skinny Singles with its single ply and slightly silky feel would also work. Flower Buds by Astrid Troland is a lovely relaxed short sleeved top. I like the rigid edge over the shoulders that leads to a simple boat neck. This is made elegant by an understated use of yarn overs. The most minimal of details are worked across the body, almost mirage-like with the mere hint of a cable. This gives an overall texture without being cluttered. Knit in two yarns held together, a lace weight alpaca and a 4ply lambswool. I couldn't help but flip this and pair two of my favourites, the lace weight Garthenor No.1 and the 4ply G-uld Alpaca. How fun would that be to knit. Waterlily by Sus Gepard is an intriguing cardigan with charming Kid Silk details. Decorative stitches use the character of a Kidsilk Lace to full advantage. Try the silk blend of Kettle Yarn Islington DK (at a slightly lighter gauge, a good idea to swatch) but the fibre blend and colour range lend themselves perfectly. Mix this with the Hedgehog Fibres KidSilk Lace. Cimes by Éveline Cantin-Bergeron is a textural dream. An all over pattern repeat creates a great fabric for this garment. A classic fit, relaxed, light and airy.  Knitted from the bottom up in the round with drop shoulders. A slightly variegated yarn like Fyberspates Vivacious DK is ideal. I would love to see this in the Deep Forest colour. Rosebay by Jenny Sauselein is a work of art. This piece is definitely not boring. An array of textured stitches of miniature leaf and branched fern go together to create this sumptuous creation. A great one for challenging your cabling and lace skills. Something like Hillesvåg Sølje would give you great stitch definition. Lakka by Marjorie Martin is a classic cardigan but knit from side to side, in one piece. An added detail to all that stocking stitch is a cute bobble detail. This acts to soften the boxy shape and add a delicate detail. Try knitting this one in John Arbon Devonia DK for a heritage feel. There are some great pieces in this issue. I love all the patterned textural repeats that can be found all over. Full wall to wall lace, cables and other interesting stitches, create a bunch of patterns that are engaging as well as look beautiful.