New lookbook! Yarnspirations: Picknit

Holy moly, we're almost half way through June! So let's talk about the gorgeous summer weather and how awesome it is to be outside and not get frostbite :D Yarnspirations has noted this, and released a new lookbook full of patterns to picnic with. There's some lovely bright colours and quick projects, and this time, I actually feel like the knit and crochet projects are much more balanced in terms of skill. It's much less "complicated fine-weight knit pullover" and then "quick and easy chunky crochet pullover," and much more "here's some knits, and here's some crochet" and they're about the same skill level. This is a bugbear of mine and Bernice's, so I'm quite pleased to see this! And now, onto the patterns!

Knit bucket tote

I'm always skeptical of yarncrafted bags that aren't solidly woven, only because I'm worried they'll sag and stretch. This one looks decently firm, though I don't like the pooling effect.

Pastoral lace knit shawl

I didn't think I was into shawls, but I've slowly been amassing a collection. That being said, this one looks like it'd be beautiful in a variegated yarn or something with speckles - the plain green isn't quite enough to bring out the lace.

Knit for the road blanket

I like the way this blanket rolls up for storage/carrying, though knit blankets do take AGES to make. Bring your most patient yarncrafting - or do this one on a road trip.

Crochet convertible blanket bag

Pretty handy that this wee blanket ropes up to carry, and I do like the starburst motif. I'd probably make the handles shorter; in the photo, the bag hangs down pretty low (yeah, I know the kid is also pretty short, haha), so it might drag quite a bit otherwise.

Lil' leaf crochet play mat and ladybug toy

Just a pretty cute and probably pretty quick project. I've never worked with Bernat Blanket but I'd be inclined to either line the bottom of this mat with fabric, or do a duplicate bottom with cotton or Super Saver - a workhorse yarn that could stand up to being in the grass. Though if Blanket is hardy enough, it should be fine.

Handy square knit cushion

Love the pattern on this one, especially with the variegated yarn. I'd question the use of cream - grass stains! - but I do think these colours are great together. Plus, cushion!

Cute crochet carry-all

Once again, yarncrafted bag. I imagine putting my solid brick of a laptop in there and watching it just sag out. You'd have to do this with a tight gauge to combat the weight.

Spiral crochet pillow

I like the low-key stitch pattern on these pillows, and I bet they work up pretty quick. Again with the cream, but whatever, that's easy enough to change. 

Gingham crochet picnic blanket

Love. I'm a huge fan of the gingham look in both knit and crochet, so this blanket is probably my fave.

Crochet pic-a-nic basket

This is a pretty cute basket, and would easily accessorize inside as well. Plus, you could probably use it for anything in the house, not just picnic things, so the versatility and simplicity of it is great.

Cheerful ripple knit blanket

This is a bit much for me, with all the colours, all the patterns, and all the poms. I'd probably do it with a main colour and one or two accents, or a palette of similar shades to calm it down a bit, and do maybe one pompom each in the corners, or better yet, tassels.

Kaeleigh's stand out patterns:
Favourite pattern: Gingham crochet picnic blanket
Gotta make it for myself: Gingham crochet picnic blanket - yep, two votes for this one!
Makes me wish I did more crochet: Spiral crochet pillow
No thank you, please: Cute crochet carry-all - hard pass on bags!

Bernice's stand out patterns:
Favourite pattern: Knit for the Road Blanket. I was admiring blankets just like this at Chapters the other day. This inspires me to work out a crochet version for myself...knit would take a me a million years!
Gotta make it for myself: Gingham crochet picnic blanket - in classic red and white for me!
Makes me wish I did more knitting: Knit bucket tote. I actually love how the pooling looks on this! I've been doing a little knitting myself these days, and I bet I could probably successfully make this. 
No thank you, please: Cheerful Ripple Knit Blanket. Whoa, a lot going on there. Like, too much. 

Loose ends

So you might remember me mentioning I was doing some test knits - or if you've followed me on Instagram, I posted a bit about the Ambah O'Brien Lovetta shawl test knit. I haven't posted about the Tin Can Knits one since they want to maintain a little secrecy til the pattern comes out, but I'm excited to share it because I love it AND I made it with my own hand-dyed yarn and really enjoy how the dye job knit up :D So stay tuned for that, it'll be a gooder!

At the same time as all that, some other, There and Back-related news happened: I released a pattern alongside a pile of fantastic local designers in conjunction with the Manitoba Fibre Festival, which happens here every September and I'm SO excited to also share that I'll be a vendor there too!

I'm a little terrified, tbh: I haven't been in the business for a full year, so this is a big step, although it was actually my ultimate business goal for this year so I'm also so pumped to be realizing one of my most monumental aims. BIG times over here! So I'm trying to find more time to dye - you've all heard me go on about how busy I am, so we'll save it - and the other day I threw down some grey for another test knit. It turned out so well, and made me remember how much I love putting bare yarn and beautiful dyes together. I'm definitely going to be doing up more greys and I've got a bunch of different bases to share too. By the time September rolls around, my yarn game will be pretty tight and market-ready!

Other than that big news, I've finally had a bit of time to catch up on some UFOs that have been lingering. My Salal cardi by Andi Satterlund (Untangling Knots) had been sadly haunting my coffee table knitting storage, and I was sad every time I saw its unfinished sleeve - it's such a beautiful little cardi and I knew it would be perfect as a transition piece for the weather PLUS I love Andi's patterns. Her set-in sleeves are wonderful and if you're looking for something other than raglan, they're a great seamless option. So at long last I finished up that little beauty and it's blocking right now! I'll have to go button-hunting tomorrow so I can wear it :D It'll be just perfect for the library, for sure.

I'm also still in pattern development mode, but that's always, these days :P What are your favourite warm weather patterns? Do you plan ahead for the seasons to come, or try and crank out some quick current-season bonus pieces?

Oh, and before I go, I'll leave you with a lovely pupper!