Our first trunk show of 2025 has landed! And it’s an absolute beauty. We will only have this show through the first week of March, so we really hope that you can make it in to check out these gorgeous samples in person, but if that’s not in the cards please enjoy this virtual trunk show from the comfort of your own home!
We’ll dive into a closer look at each of the patterns we have on display, and then talk a little bit about the specific characteristics of linen and cotton, and address the age-old question head on: To seam or not to seam.
Mojave by Kelbourne Woolens is a 60/40 cotton/linen blend. In the hand it feels quite light, cool and smooth to the touch, with just a hint of that rustic-ness that is characteristic of linen.
Here’s what the folks over at Kelbourne have to say about it:
Our love of cellulose-based fibers led to the development of Mojave. A versatile sport to DK weight yarn consisting of five sets of very fine 2-plys, Mojave is lightweight, strong, and smooth with great stitch definition. This pima cotton and linen blend is as pleasant to knit with as it is to wear, and, as a bonus, it can be machine-washed!
We love everything about this yarn from its feel to its wearability, and we haven’t even talked about its array of absolutely delightful colors yet! Your eye may have been caught first by those brash brights, but looks closer and you’ll also see a sophisticated palette of neutrals as well.
And now: On to the Patterns!
Remember: If you fall in love with a garment or accessory we have out on display as a sample, the pattern will be our gift to you when you purchase the yarn to make it! More incentive to hurry in to see the trunk show while it’s still on display.
Please note: all photos not obviously taken at the Sow’s Ear – the garments pictured on models – belong to Kelbourne Woolens.
The Keane Wonder Tank Top
Y’all, this is a racerback, how cool is that?
We love this tank for the myriad of thoughtful details that go into its construction. Meant to be worn long and swingy, you can include or omit the subtle a-line shaping, which is incorporated beautifully into the vertical purl ridge pattern of the tank.
Finished off with the gentle scoop neck and the generous-but-not-gappy arm holes, we’re pretty sure this is the kind of tank you’ll want to live in over the summer.
See the pattern specs here.
Evening Star Cardigan
I made the mistake of trying this cardigan on.
It was a mistake because then I didn’t want to take it off.
This cardigan will be the perfect layering piece for transitional weather; it’s slightly cropped so it will look perfect with a skirt or over a dress, but it also looked great with the jeans and tank top I was wearing when I threw it on.
It’s got dolman shaping, making for a very easy and comfortable fit – this would be a breeze to layer over something with short sleeves – and we love the detail of the rolled edge on the button band, so classy!
See the pattern specs here.
Kelso Tank Top
Another tank for your consideration!
The Kelso really shows off Mojave’s sweet stitch definition with a simple eyelet lace panel down the front, and short rows are used at the shoulders are worked separately to ensure a very nice fit.
This would be a fun and very beginner-friendly pattern for anyone looking to start stretching your skills and dip a toe into garment-making!
See the pattern specs here.
Bodie T-shirt
The Bodie is an absolute knock-out.
It also shows off features that we love about Kelbourne Woolens patterns, which shows their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility: the cable repeat is centered on the front and back, so that each size will begin and end at different points on the chart, thus creating a garment with the same polished look to the pattern regardless of which size you’re making.
We really love how the cable patterns grow up out of the hem ribbing, as well as the raw-edge neckline which is something that linen yarn does really well, so we love seeing this pattern take advantage of that quality.
See the pattern specs here.
Llana del Rio Sweater
Last but certainly not least, the Llana del Rio is a fabulous demonstration of Mojave’s versatility – why not give cotton-linen a try in a long-sleeved but lightweight sweater?
Again with the way Mojave’s stitch definition makes an excellent palette for playing with texture, Llana combines cables and lace, along with a deep high-low hem, for a very elegant result.
We also love a drop-shoulder construction, it looks good on everyone and is easy to wear. Remember when making any drop-shoulder garment, you’re not really knitting it to your bust size because the top of the body actually forms the shoulders/tops of the sleeves, so extra positive ease is always recommended!
See the pattern specs here.
And there’s so much more to love…
Browse the Pattern Ideas or Project tabs on Ravelry to see what your fellow crafters are doing with Mojave, and check out the Mojave Collection of patterns written specifically for this yarn. We really like the look of their crochet patterns, especially the Canyon Tank Top and the Palm Shawl. There’s even a pattern for a wall hanging!
Live, Love, Linen
Friends, knitters, crocheters, crafters all: linen is awesome.
Want me to count the ways? I’ll be happy to!
Linen is a very strong fiber. You’re not going to see any breaking or pilling here. Well cared for, linen fabric will last for decades or longer.
Linen is made from the flax plant, and flax itself is very versatile; every part of the plant can be used. While the process to extract the fibers that become linen is labor-intensive (hence linen’s often higher price tag), flax itself is a resilient, low-needs plant that can grow in marginal soil using much less water than cotton.
Linen is moisture-wicking and quick-drying! Woo hoo! What more do you want for a summer yarn? Well, there’s another bonus: linen is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This is why linen towels and dishclothes are such a great idea!
And like all linen garments or home goods, your finished objects will continue to get softer with wear and washing, for an ongoing and evolving relationship with your handmade item.
So what’s all this about seaming…?
You may notice that patterns written specifically for linen or cotton yarns tend towards knitting the garment in pieces and then seaming up the sides or on the shoulders, rather than knitting in one piece in the round, even for garments where it seems like that would be the easier route to go, as in the case of a simple tank top.
And you’re right; from a construction standpoint it often would be easier to make in one piece. However, from the viewpoint of having an attractive finished product that will stand the test of time, wear, and washing, those seams are a big bonus, and absolutely worth it.
You might say that seams are there to literally pull their own weight. Every seam in a garment is a line of defense against knitted fabric’s natural tendency to stretch, sag, and bias. You can think of seams as the framework that holds your tank, tee, or sweater in the shape it’s supposed to be.
Wool and wool blends tend to do all right without seams; that/s because wool is naturally elastic and wants to bounce back into shape. Linen and cotton, however? They’re not known for their long memory: they like to look forward!
Linen’s drape and swing is one of its most attractive qualities, one that these patterns really capitalize on. So if seaming a garment is new to you, this is a great opportunity for you to stretch yourself and add another tool to your crafting tool box. Struggle with seaming? You can always book a private lesson with one of our teachers! Just email AJ, our class and teacher coordinator: AJMiller@knitandsip.com
