Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Sneak Peek: Cowl and Towels

Working today above the Sawmill River at the Lady Killigrew #bluepeninsula #knit #knitting #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram #ladykilligrew

I spent several productive hours the other day knitting the final stretch on my next design—a cabled cowl—at my favorite "studio/office away from home," the Lady Killigrew, above the Sawmill River in Montague, Mass. Sometimes I feel I'm happiest and most productive working at home, but other times a change of location helps me to stay focused and "on task."

So happy that fall accessories weather is here! #bluepeninsula #knit #knitting #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram

Of course, blocking has to happen at home ... 

Cowl blocking

Look for this new cowl pattern very soon. It's knit in Brooklyn Tweed's Shelter, a worsted weight wool that's ideal for cables and textured stitches.

The pattern's already been edited, by my talented sister Jenny. For a couple of years now, I have been blessed to have Jenny looking after most of my patterns, and I couldn't ask for a better editor. She's so thoughtfully attentive to both language and math.

Jenny's gifts extend far beyond editing. She's a longtime fiber artist with experience in many crafts: knitting, crochet, spinning, dyeing, felting, embroidery (or, as she puts it, "the whole fiber calamity"). But first and foremost, she's a weaver (and a weaving teacher) who makes the most exquisite tea towels, dinner napkins, kitchen towels, and more. Like these green cotton towels—her own design, no two alike:


Her "plain and simple" linen cloths have a classic elegance:


This year, she's been exploring a 1912 Russian book of weaving patterns. The resulting towels have an almost electric geometric energy:




If you're in the vicinity of Columbia, Missouri, this weekend, you can see (and buy) Jenny's gorgeous work at the annual Columbia Weavers and Spinners' Guild holiday exhibition and sale. There will be lots of other wonderful things by guild members, too—scarves, shawls, stuffed animals, baskets, baby blankets.



Each towel is carefully woven, pressed, and hemmed with the loving care and attention to detail that in my mind is part and parcel of who Jenny is and the beauty she contributes to the world.

All weaving images courtesy Jenny Sennott (MissouriTrouble on Ravelry).


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous towels. I wish she had an Etsy shop!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I just love your designs and the towels are so beautiful...does she sell them....I would love to purchase one...Diane

Betsey said...

Looking forward to the reveal of this new cowl, and love Jenny's beautiful weaving!!

bibliobleez said...

Absolutely gorgeous, both your new pattern and Jenny's weaving! I'm continually amazed at how intricate weaving is... although I have to admit, the "plain and simple" linen towels are my favorite. :-)

bibliobleez said...

Absolutely gorgeous, both your new pattern and Jenny's weaving! I'm continually amazed at how intricate weaving is... although I have to admit, the "plain and simple" linen towels are my favorite. :-)

Sonia / COZY MEMORIES said...

Well there are crafty genes in the family ! ;-) I prefer the plain & simple one, they have a very organic & minimalist aesthetic that I enjoy.
oxox