Yarns to Love
The Prettiest Thing I’ve Ever Made: Floating Squares
Dear fans of floaty handknits,
The minute I saw the swatch, I was a goner.
This was many months ago, when Amy Christoffers was creating new designs for the new Field Guide No. 29: Mosaic.
She had a pile of ideas for mosaic knitting using wool yarns. But this swatch was different: it was all about mohair/silk, in the thinnest weight, in the most vibrant colors.
I jumped in on this design in a heartbeat—it’s called Floating Squares Wrap, and it really is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made.
I didn’t have the yarn that Amy specified, so I wung it with Kidsilk Haze I happened to have on hand.
(I don’t know the colors, given the lack of ballbands!)
Amy’s choice of mosaic pattern here looks fancy, but I was pleased with how quickly I got the hang of it. Handling this fingering weight yarn is the trickiest part, I think. If you haven’t worked with it before, it’s one of those things where starting slowly really pays off. No rush. Just take your time, the rhythm comes soon enough.
Breaking News!
The great good news is that we just received the MDK-exclusive yarn bundles for this project. It’s been a tangle to get this yarn, but here it is. If you’re in the mood for a summery, light, utterly mesmerizing way to spend your time, this is an absolute delight.
I mean, look at what happens with this Floating Squares Wrap. You start swathing yourself and gazing off into the distance in a dreamy way.
You hold it up and stare at it for long periods of time.
You spread it out on a table and think a lot about colors.
For You, Three Colorways
We’re so happy to finally have these bundles for you. This is Lang Mohair Luxe, a very special yarn—superkid mohair is from the first shearing of young mohair goats, so it’s the softest mohair. Plus silk.
Amy and our Field Guides creative director Melanie Falick sat down with the palette for Mohair Luxe and came up with three colorways. I obviously want to make each one.
Here’s the bundle for the sample shown above. Four colors, seven balls total.
Here’s a light and subtle colorway.
And this one reminds me of a summery forest. Or something. SEE? You get all lyrical when you’re near this project.
It makes me so proud to offer up a project like this for you. There’s so much about it that is unusual: the design, the yarn, the thought and care that went into creating it. Amy Christoffers is brilliant, all day long. We’re lucky to know her.
You’ll find the Mohair Luxe bundles here. (Remember that MDK Society members save 10% on shopping when using the Society coupon code!) (Not a member yet? Details and sign up here.)
Love,
Ann
Oh! I’ve been looking for something like this. MDK you are mind (and heart) readers!
Absolutely beautiful. Any possibility if crocheting with this yarn as I am unable to knit nowadays?
This is beautiful! I got out my copy of “Mosaic” # 29, and read over the directions. I was confused. It would be very helpful if you posted a short video to get us started on this.
Thanks!
We’re working on getting a virtual class set up for this project. Please stay tuned! ; )
Gorgeous! Colorful! Soft and gentle! Just what the worlds needs, and me too. I love it! All the color ways look terrific.
Ann! This made me think of your Belinda wrap from (I had to look it up) 2008! I still have both your books, been a fan for a long time. 🙂
Link for newbs: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/belinda-wrap
I just packed my Belinda for our trip to the h+h trade show! Mohair/silk wears like iron, it’s such a forever thing and so good for travel. It mooshes down to nothing!
Inspiring! Thank you Ann. Now planning a deep dive into stash to find yarn to play with this idea.
You’re killing me Ann…I could not resist ordering the pink bundle. Your words, your descrpition of this pattern, and how it makes you feel, so beautiful!!! You got me!!! Cannot wait to get my package and get this on my needles!!!!!
“I wung it”. A new verb.
This is stunning. Must check the stash.
I love the red and aadore the yellows. Looks like a perfect summer project.
Can someone tell me—-I’ve been knitting forever, but have an issue with wool. Can’t wear most of it next to my skin, although in recent years some merinos have been very kind. Maybe 10 years ago I bought some yarn with a respectable amt of mohair in it and didn’t finish the project as even my hands were itchy! Unfortunately I have no idea what the yarn was, but I need to make the wrap you feature today. Is there any chance?
I started this one early with some mix and match I had plus a couple of Mohair Luxe I managed to source. It’s so delightful to knit (easy to memorize and read) and look at and experience the lovely drape as you go! And easy to squish into a small knitting bag and take with you on the go! A favorite project for sure.
Thanks so much, Ann, for your tour of MDK yesterday! My daughter-in-law is going to spread the word about your beautiful space to all her crafty friends. See you next time
I’m in Nashville!