Kia Ora Lester,
We're finishing the second week of November. How does this happen?
This time of year always brings such a mix of emotions; I'm feeling excited to be with family, making plans for Prosper's next year (which you're going to love btw), but also anxious at fitting everything in I need to before Auckland becomes a ghost town next month; and if I'm being honest, a little nostalgic at another year gone by.
In the midst of emotional times I recognise how lucky I am to be a knitter (fill in your craft of choice as you do). I take a beat and give my current WIP a hug. I recognise how this simple act of making knots with a piece of wool and a stick can calm me, distract, challenge, and sometimes even make me laugh. Knitting also provides a community for me I really appreciate - something we'll chat a bit about in a later journal…
So we have a series of journals leading up to the holidays for you. Each week we will give you some suggestions for gift giving makes, or some crafts for the kids, and some cute things for decorating.
In this edition we suggest gifts you can make with six weeks to go, introduce our gifts for makers collection, ask your opinion on choosing our Summer bases, share a staff FO, show off our newest colour Skywalker, and invite you to an upcoming workshop!
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With 6 weeks to go, you've got options! You can cast on a larger commitment, or a series/set of smaller objects. If you opt for a bigger project, we suggest a larger gauge to take the pressure off. This means the needles and/or yarn are both bigger, so each stitch is bigger, which equals knitting faster no matter how chill you knit.
We've linked Midori Hirose's light version of her sooo iconic, heavier White Mountains design. Midori loves using a looser gauge in almost all of her designs. This particular pattern, as you can see, has so many style and yarn options, we think you'll find just what you're looking for.
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We've got our eye on this new release, Harvest Flower Sweater by Jessie Maed Designs. Her patterns are well written and very popular. Our Epic, or Prosper DK would work so well for this. You'll be seeing this designer again as the weeks count down to smaller projects - we love her tanks and bralettes.
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Don't let the zipper intimidate you - it's actually so easy, and something new to add to your skill set. My son wore his Zipper Sweater everyday this past Winter. This is definitely a gift that will be appreciated for a long time. The staff (and many customers) have made this using Epic held double with Mint. Now, there's even a light version if your recipient runs hot or lives in a warmer climate. We love a good YKK Zip.
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We have knit this pattern so many times. Why? Because it's fun, has a lot of instruction to modify the shape (sleeves, neck, body length) and you can use any gauge of yarn! Pictured is Beaut, a fingering/4ply weight merino, but you can use lace like Mint, 4ply like Legend or Beaut, or go all the way to DK. We also love it because it uses so little yarn. Our Beaut version only used two skeins. And this knits up quickly on 6mm needles. And because over 32,000 knitters on Ravelry have listed their Ranunculus project - you bet there are videos, blogs, and podcasts to consult. This would be a well received gift, especially in a hand dyed yarn.
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The Paris Tujours Shawl basically gives you permission to walk around wearing a blanket. It makes you feel warm, loved, and safe - like any good blanket should. However; this blanket has style, unisex beaucoup Parisian style! It's a 4 skein triangle - we used Prosper DK (it was perfect) and still haven't blocked it since it came off the needles. It just went 'round my neck and stayed there. This shawl would totally rock someone's Christmas.
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Toni Lipsey is the GOAT of crochet pattern designers, so when she designs a blanket and tells you it's fun, fast, and easy it really is. This pattern is perfect for beginners looking to make their first crochet baby blanket or couch throw. The pattern includes a helpful assembly schematic and a step-by-step tutorial video. We recommend 3 skeins of Prosper DK in the main colour and at least 3 skeins in different contrasting colours. Prosper DK is perfect so parents can throw this throw in the washing machine on gentle.
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This is a clever design by Marita Harvey. I chose it because I am obsessed with shoulder construction and details. This design had that in spades - so unique and fits so beautifully. The designer gives instruction for stripes, and I did give it a go, but wasn't happy with my colour choice. So I put the whole project in the naughty pile for months. Then I found the energy to rip back an entire stripe section and go on with just WabiSabi - so glad I did. I love it, especially the cute toggle buttons. I will be knitting more of her patterns for sure - I am in love with her Alaska Hat, Ecru Tee, and the Modau Bag
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Skywalker is the first of four new colours we have planned for the Spring/Summer season - so exciting. We are dying it right now on all bases and you will see it in the online store next week. Or, come by Ponsonby and see it in real life right now!
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What's your go to Summer fibre?
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If you've made it this far, thank you! We appreciate you with all our hearts. We do this for the love of making, passion for fibre, and growing a positive community. While we can't afford to do big flashy Black Friday sales we can offer incredible customer service! Get in touch if you need info or help with your project.
Cheers,
Les & the Prosper Crew
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54 Ponsonby Street, Shop 3
Ponsonby, 1011, New Zealand
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