Midwestern Knits is real!

The book project I took on with co-editor Allyson Dykhuizen has come to fruition and Midwestern Knits launched in print and e-book formats yesterday! We are so excited to share with you what we’ve been working so hard on for the past year. Allyson has organized a blog tour in which each day you’ll get to hear from one of our contributors, and today I’m kicking it off with some details about my patterns for the book and a info about our upcoming knit-alongs!

First up, is my Midtown cardigan knit in scrumptious Bare Naked Wools’ Kent DK. Midtown is a mid-weight, open front, cocoon sweater with fitted, three-quarter length sleeves. It features a chevron texture pattern set on end with ombré color transition at the hems and cuffs, and graphic intarsia motif at center-back. I designed this sweater as my love letter to Kansas City, MO and in the book you can read more about that. As is my habit, I became obsessed with the slipped stitch pattern used on the fronts and hems of this sweater and you will see it make another appearance in a different weight for a self-published accessory pattern this fall. If you are thinking of giving this one a go, Kim Russo (of Kim Dyes Yarn) will be hosting a knit-along for Midtown in the Midwestern Knits Ravelry Group starting September 14th and we’d love to have you with us!

For Midwestern Knits, I did something I’d never done before and co-designed a mitt(en) pattern with Allyson. These are the River Walk Mitts knit in a colorway that was created especially for us by Nerd Girl Yarns and is inspired by the bridges and waterways of the Midwest. I designed the mitt with stitch patterns to reflect the waves of water and arch of a bridge. I then passed the pattern on to Allyson who finished it off with an optional flip top.  This was a great experience in collaboration – a little scary for two people whose usual process is so solitary, but luckily it all went well and the finished pattern is fun to knit and totally practical to wear. The River Walk KAL starts September 14th in the Midwestern Knits Ravelry Group. Come knock out  pair or two for holiday gifting!

Lastly, I will be hosting a KAL for the Storm Cloud Tee by Laura Hulslander! I photographed this sweater for the book and knew I’d have to have one for myself. The sweater design is that perfectly elusive blend of whimsy and simple sophistication. I’ve been having a ball picking out potential color palettes and have narrowed it down to two choices. This is Quince and Co.’s Chickadee in ombré shades of green and orange. Feel free to cast a vote for your favorite set in the comments below! The Storm Cloud Tee KAL starts October 5th in the Midwestern Knits Ravelry Group.

Along with the KALs I mentioned here there will also be hosted KALs for every.single.pattern in the book and prizes to win for those who play along. These patterns are exclusively available only in Midwestern Knits right now, so pick up your print or digital copy today and join us for the fun!