Molly's Sketchbook: Valentine's Friendship Bracelets

Last summer I not only conquered my childhood fear of making Friendship Bracelets, but I also developed a new appreciation for them. They're simple to make and cute as a can be, but most winningly, they really are great tokens of friendship. So cheerfully reminiscent of childhood and its open declarations of best-friends-forever, friendship bracelets are such a super way to let someone know you're thinking about them. All this adds up to the perfect Valentine's Day project! How sweet would it be to show up to work or school on February 14th with a bunch of these lovely little expressions of affection?

This time around I was a little more ambitious, creating adorable patterns of hearts and arrows, perfect for the holiday!  Also, instead of traditional embroidery floss,  I used Koigu Premium Merino Needlepoint Yarn, and I may never look back. Not only does this 100% merino wool come in a stunning array of hand-dyed colors, but its soft elasticity actually makes it easier to work with than the cotton. Plus, when you're done, you can press your bracelet so it lies totally flat with a beautiful drape.

If you'd like to whip up a batch of your own please visit my Valentine's Friendship Bracelets Journal here. Happy Valentine's Day!-- Molly

Whit's Knits: Deep V-Neck Sweater

As anyone who has ever knit a sweater knows, it can be a real juggling act! With this Deep V-Neck Sweater, I had the happy and lucky experience of somehow, someway managing to keep all the balls in the air. A seamless set-in sleeve pattern, a spectacularly seductive yarn and a very forgiving fit, all conspired to work together in beautiful harmony!

While set-in sleeves are perhaps the most flattering sweater construction, they traditionally involve the dreaded last step of laboriously sewing together all those pesky pieces. Determined to avoid that tedium, I embarked on this project armed with a few vague notes from Elizabeth Zimmermann and a cannot-fail doggedness (sound familiar, knitters?). Turns out a seamless set-in sleeve sweater is not only possible, it's fascinating and absolutely easy!

And what about that incredible yarn? Alchemy's Kozmos is an extraordinary blend of silk, mohair, wool and cotton, all hand dyed together to create a fuzzy, shiny, nubbly complexity of color and texture. It is this sweater's magic ingredient, infusing it with a truly unique flavor, expressive, elegant and very feminine.

To make your own simple Deep V-Neck Sweater, just visit my Project Journal right here! Thanks! -Whitney

Laura's Loop: Father and Son Knit Ties

When it comes to gifts for my dad and brothers, I often find myself stumped. Thanks to Page's Rolled Hem Handkercheifs, their pockets are chock-full of squares; and thanks to years of knitting, their heads and feet are warmed by piles of hats and socks. In need of a new go-to gift, the Father Son Knit Ties were born! 

Now, my dad and brothers aren't fancy men, but they are gentlemen of the southern variety. They don't flinch at dressing up, and somehow even their "casual" is always quite pulled together. I think these chic and simple hand knit ties will be right at home with their refined style, dressing up jeans and a sweater or adding a kick to slacks and a blazer.

I made these ties with two gorgeous yarns, Koigu's Premium Merino and Anzula's Sebastian: one matte and one shiny for  textural complexity and both with a sophisticated polish that makes these ties special!  The Father's Tie is in reverse stockinette with a handsome stripe, and the Son's Tie is a sweet and easy Fair Isle pattern. Both are delightful to make, for dads and brothers or yourself! And, just in time for Valentine's Day! To make the Father and Son Knit Ties, check out the full patterns here! --Laura 

Heather Ross Weekend Sewing Workshops Return!

Come to New York City and experience a weekend sewing workshop with our friend, the spectacular Heather Ross! Connect with other creative people, advance your sewing skills, and get inspired; you will not be disappointed! 

Every weekend workshop kicks off with a private shopping event here at Purl Soho, followed by a group dinner at a popular nearby Soho Bistro (where they even have a cocktail called The Sewing Machine, which Heather may have had something to do with). Then get to work! Weekends are centered around open sewing labs led by Heather and guest teachers. You'll be working at The Sewing Studio, a bright and beautiful studio located in the heart of the garment district. Machines and basic tools are provided, plus expert instruction and loads of encouragement. Special presentations by designers and other industry professionals, and optional field trips to favorite shops, bookstores, and museums are also part of the weekend's itinerary. Past guest teachers have include Liesl Gibson, Denyse Schmidt, Jay Maccarroll, Gretchen Hirsch, Lotta Jansdotter, and Anna Maria Horner. Every level is welcome!

Find out everything you'll need to know and sign up with Heather right here! Enjoy!

Molly's Sketchbook: Snappy Duvet Cover

A duvet cover is such an effective design tool, wielding the power to dramatically transform a bedroom in a snap! I've always wanted to make one, but the truth is, I've never known where to begin. Sure, I understood the basics, but I could never figure out a tidy way to cut and sew such gigantic pieces of fabric. That may sound crazy since I sew almost everyday, but my comfort zone is at a much smaller scale, and at 90-inches square, a queen size duvet is anything but small!

To conquer this apprehension I decided to simplify. I would not try to cut a 90-inch straight line with a rotary cutter or scissors nor would I attempt to pull a thread every time I needed to cut. I would tear the fabric! Also, instead of trying to make the back and front into two perfectly matching huge squares, I would just cut and tear the back panel out of an extra wide piece of muslin to match the finished front. Armed with my new rules of simplicity, I was surprised at how easy it actually is to make a duvet cover!

For the top, I used a gorgeous new linen and cotton blend from the awesome Japanese designer, Yoshiko Jinzenji. My cover's happy yellow color and painterly dots are going to add a lot of pizzaz to my room, and I love that it's truly an original! I also love that, with the help of a snap tape closure, my duvet will actually stay inside its new cover. So simple!

If you'd like a bedroom make over too, just visit my Snappy Duvet Cover journal here!