I have hinted that I have many things going on this summer and many patterns to release. One of them is this sleek and fun shrug, Orinoco. I’ve already posted a pattern page and have already listed it on Ravelry. So far, I have received very positive comments and feedback on the design.
In particular, I received a warm and fuzzy phone call from Tricia of Frog Tree Yarns when she received the display copies of the pattern and the sample garment that I sent. She really gave me the best compliment and said that she really loves the shrug and how the pattern is written and organized. ::blush with giant goofy grin:: Orinoco will be showing at their booth at TNNA in Columbus, and the icing on this cake is that Frog Tree will be carrying and selling my pattern to your LYSs! So, if you like my stuff, help this starving artist out by telling your LYS that you want to see my stuff in their shops. 🙂
Orinoco features Frog Tree’s new yarn Meriboo, a super blend of merino and bamboo fibers, has a really nice feel and sheen to it. My sample knitter loved it so much, that I think she’ll be enhancing her stash with some very soon. Handicraft Café does carry several colors of Meriboo and other Frog Tree yarns, though Meriboo hasn’t been listed on the site yet. If you are a savvy and socially conscious consumer, you’ll definitely want to support Frog Tree not just for their quality and well-priced yarns, but also because it is a not-for-profit company that works with local communities and cooperatives in South America, and that all their products are fair trade.
At first, I was a little stumped regarding naming this pattern. But then as I looked at the large cabled texture on my swatch and my sketches, I was reminded of some giant boulders that I touched and climbed. This pattern is named for a hike along the bottom of a dry Orinoco River, one of the 100s of memories I have from a 2 week trek and camp into the Venezuelan Amazon. (When I get a chance later this summer, I will dig out and scan some of my photos from my trip and post about the trip.)
The shrug is a relatively quick knit, simple enough not to drive you batty, but with enough interest so that you don’t get bored. I really like options and versatility in a pattern, so I wrote this one up to give you options. It’s like one of those choose-your-own-adventure novels you read as a kid: You can make the shrug with or without a border, make it with 2 different border patterns, and make it either long sleeved or with a 3/4 sleeve. And, as with all my patterns, they are well-tested and edited, and meticulously laid out in a pleasing and easy-to-read style.
I will have 4 other designs to reveal over the next month. They are all designed with SWTC yarn in mind. Below are a couple of teasers of two of the projects.
Orinoco look very nice. I’m too strong shoulder to wear it but love the stitch. Your left “teaser” look great.. looking forward to see it finished.
Thanks! Actually, my model in the blue shrug is my sister and she has very broad shoulders. If you’re worried about fit, you can shorten the sleeve seam so that you have more back and shoulder room. If you’re thinking that just won’t look good on you, then that’s a totally different (and understandable) issue. 🙂
Very pretty! I love shrugs, so I may give this a try. Must check the yarn stash to see if I have anything that will work.