August 2021

Studio views, Moon and Turtle, buttons

Hello!

In this month’s newsletter you’ll find:

• Studio views

• Moon and Turtle

• Fabric buttons

• Gist article: Overshot AKA floatwork

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Studio Views

Here is a look into my studio this month.

Work in progress

‘Ice Cream’ sunflower from my garden

A colour sample for my next pattern, coming September.

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Moon and Turtle

A few years ago I quit a full time job; it was partially so I could work more hours at another job I actually enjoyed, but also so that I could have time to weave, and I ended up filling in the gaps by getting a job at my local yarn store. While working there I met an incredible group of friends that includes Sachiko and Kiyomi Burgin, who publish their first ever book this month: Moon and Turtle.

Photo by Oliver James Brooks

Beyond being amazing knitwear designers, both dye, weave, and sew (Kiy made many of the sewn garments in Moon and Turtle!), and are all around fabulous people. Moon and Turtle is their first book of knitting patterns after years of publishing patterns in magazines and on their own. I’ve knit garments designed by both of them and they’re full of professional details that result in lovely clothes. All of the patterns in Moon and Turtle are designed to be variable, whether it’s in fit, body shape or size, or yarn choices, reflecting what I know is a lot of deep thought on accessibility and comfort.

I am so proud and thrilled for Chi and Kiy in a way I find difficult to articulate — they are wonderful women and I am constantly impressed and motivated by their work and approach. Beyond the lovely patterns, this book reflects on their experience as identical twins, Yonsei, and their similar-yet-different interests. If you’d like to get yourself or your knitting pals a copy, you can order one here.

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Fabric Buttons

I posted a picture of these fabric covered buttons on my Instagram account late last month. In case you’d like to make your own with woven scraps or fun fabric, here is what you will need.

I love having a poke around a thrift store, and I buy self cover buttons or fabric button sets whenever I see them — they’re usually only a few cents, certainly less than a dollar a pack. I imagine you can still get them new too, but I love the surprise of finding them (and I try not to buy many new things anyway — I can usually find a nearly-new or gently used thing when I need it).

There are two components to the buttons — the outer face and the backing. Using the markings/instructions on the back of the package, cut a circle of fabric the suggested size. Place it over the face of the button and tuck it into the open back; the back is shaped slightly concave, and should have teeth or ridges to grip the fabric along the edges. Snap the backing piece into the rear of the button face to secure your fabric and lock in it. And that’s it!

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Weaving Basics: Overshot

This month my article over at Gist Yarn is about floatwork, AKA overshot. Learn why I call it floatwork and the (simple) magic behind the undulating shapes and curves of this fun technique. This is a weaving structure I have used many times (see: Two Sides of the Same Coin, Bouquet Kitchen Towels, Tidal Towels, and Bloom Table Squares) and one that someone could spend a lifetime weaving and never get bored with.

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In August I have swam in the lake, tested roadside apples, and got a sunburn that is currently peeling off my nose. I deep cleaned my house (lasted about 5 minutes…), brushed a whole extra animal’s worth of hair from the cat, and had a nap in a hammock. A perfect summer month, so far.