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What to Knit with Unspun Yarn - our Big Pattern Inspiration Roundup!
Hi lovelies,
I'm back today with the first of two blog posts to celebrate the addition of our first unspun yarn to the shop - Wooldreamers' Manchelopis! (Coming on January 20!)
You know how much I love exploring knitting patterns, thinking about good pattern and yarn combinations, and finding gems that not a lot of people know about (yet). So it comes as exactly no surprise to anyone that I had the BEST time putting together pattern ideas for knitting with unspun yarn - so much so that there are way too many to fit into a blog post.
Which is why I've created a whole Pinterest board for patterns for unspun yarn! It's filled to the brim with accessories and garments, all selected with an eye to size inclusivity and aiming for a broad mix of designers.
If you have a favorite unspun pattern that is missing (bonus points for designs by BIPOC folx!), do let me know in the comments below and I'll add it!
But... I can't leave you without a few gems that I've been loving since I started my collections of unspun patterns. You might know from my latest podcast episode that I'm knitting Melody Hoffman's Gentle Lopi Tunic, but one of these four is destined to hop on my needles after that:
Building Blocks Drop by Aimee Sher
Aimee has quickly become one of my absolute favorite knitwear designers. She goes above and beyond to create patterns that actually fit different body shapes, not just sizes, and her designs feel like timeless classics that you just want to wear and wear and wear. (My Coloring Book Raglan is still one of my favorite things I've ever made!)The Building Blocks Drop is hands-down the best drop-shoulder sleeve sweater I've ever seen. In Aimee's own words:
"The perfect basic with the flawless fit, with thoughtful underarm shaping and optional bust darts to achieve a better fit across all sizes and make sure that shoulder drop really is in the mid-upper arm, not all the way in the elbows! Plus, there are bust darts to make sure your bust is fully accommodated."
Like with all of Aimee's patterns, this one comes with a ton of options: Full sleeves or sleeve-less (resulting in the perfect T-shirt shape), pockets, split hem, just to name a few. SO GOOD.
Gaca Shawl by Jean-Philippe Cliche
Big shoutout to Elsa for bringing this fabulous geometric shawl to my attention!
Jean-Philippe Cliche's Gaca Shawl comes in two versions; one for holding Manchelopis single, the second one for holding it double. In both, the fabric promises to be so, so warm and snuggly!
I adore the diamond texture pattern, and I love how cleverly the shape of the shawl echoes it. There are so many ways you could wear this - as a scarf, around your shoulders, bandana-style...
Moorland Mittens by Tania Barley
Disclaimer: These only come in one size, which would normally have been a no-go for this list, but I couldn't find a good other pair of mittens in unspun. If you know of one, let me know!
When I was looking for smaller projects for those of you who'd like to dip their toes into the unspun yarn waters, I couldn't stop looking at Tania Barley's Moorland Mittens!
They come in a fingerless and a full mittens version, and I'm imagining them to be super warm and cozy. The lovely branch-like detail on reverse stockinette is both adding warmth and whimsy, something I adore!
Wetherell Sweater by Kiyomi Burgin
Coming full circle here - I first stumbled across this pattern on Aimee Sher's Instagram where she posted that it's been her go-to sweater this winter.
I LOVE the shape of Kiyomi Burgin's Wetherell Sweater, especially that fantastic funnel neck! The loose fit is what I'm craving right now - lots of flowy fabric, great for wearing over leggings or high-waisted jeans. And that two-color yoke is too good to be true.
The details are also absolutely fabulous: The contrasting bind off at the sleeves, and the fact that the increases in the yoke are so cleverly hidden in the pattern. Perfect for trying out one of the new punchy shades of Manchelopis!
You know that I can't wait to hear what you want to cast on - comment down below with your favorite pattern for knitting with unspun yarn!
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Frauke
January 21, 2023
thanks a lot for all the ideas! added some to my favorites 🤗
my next project with unspun yarn + Einband will be the Soe from laine magazine 16 – isn’t it gorgeous?! 💕
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/soe