Weekend W.I.P.lash - No. 1
Hello Magpie Makers!We have some really exciting news to share! We are all too familiar with the exciting feeling that comes with the glorious arrival of 5pm every Friday, but we also know that the excitement can quickly become overshadowed by the distressing question of, “what am I going to do this weekend?”, leaving you scrambling for plans…then the dreaded “Sunday Scaries” hit faster than you can say “castonitis”, and you never found the thing that helped you refill your creative cup as you head into the new week.Well, we sometimes feel that same way, and then end up chatting with each other Monday morning only to discover that another Magpie did something we wished we had done. So, in the effort of enabling each other, (as only the best of fiber friends do 😉), we decided to create a bi-weekly newsletter and blog post to gather up some inspiration to spur your weekend creativity and give your making some motivation! It will be sent out in short form via our newsletter in addition to a more robust version, available here on the blog. This is our first edition and we hope it inspires. Double WIP Magic
We are pulling back the curtain on the inspiring endeavors of our talented employees and creative customers. Each edition, we will spotlight two incredible projects, whether it's a knitted/crocheted masterpiece, a scrumptious baked creation, or some mindful mending. Let this section be your bi-weekly dose of inspiration, encouraging you to unleash your own inner creative genius!
MAGPIE: WANITTA
Current WIP: A new crochet pattern
“I love layering my pieces. Crochet. knitting, sewing…I’ll wear them all at the same time because who says I can’t? I’m all about a vest moment, and had this idea in my head for a color-blocked vest for a long time. I just finished the construction and am now writing up a pattern so I can release it for the Beav-a-long! - Wanitta
Magpie: Janet
Current WIP: Appliqué
“I recently began doing appliqué and I’ve quickly become obsessed! It’s very meditative and relaxing to do in the evenings and great way to de-stress before bed. I have a couple of WIPs at the moment — I am making throw pillows with naturally dyed linen fabric that I found on Etsy and this floral template. I am also slowly adding flowers to old t-shirts, (cut from the leftover fabric for Tees I have cropped. It’s really addictive!” - Janet
Janet’s Top Three Appliqué Tips:
convincing cast ons
Every week, we scour the knitting universe for new releases, hidden gems and timeless classics, ensuring you have a queue overflowing with irresistible projects. Newbie or seasoned knitter? We've got something for everyone. So, ditch the decision fatigue and let us lure you into a world of yarn-filled wonder!FIRST UP: THE RODEO SWEATER
by Jennifer Berg
The combination of a project that holds your attention and interest, while managing to fly off the needles is one of the most fantastic fusions you can come across, and this new sweater by Jennifer Berg is just that! This piece would make an excellent staple to your wardrobe - sport weight on a looser gauge needle helps to create a beautiful and versatile fabric that can be worn throughout several seasons, either alone in warmer weather or layered up in transitional spring or fall.Quartet Fingering or Equinox Sport would be gorgeous in this pattern! Quartet would give more structure to your garment, while Equinox would give you something with more drape and flow in the silhouette, allowing you the versatility to create the best garment for your wardrobe.
NUMBER 2: THE ALDER SWEATER
by: Rebecca Clow
Have you ever wanted to dip a toe into knitting colorwork but feel a bit intimidated? Mosaic is the perfect way to begin your colorwork adventures, with slipped stitches that create the illusion of knitting multiple colors in the same row. This top-down mosaic raglan is a beautiful way to fuse texture and color, keeping you engaged throughout.The garment calls for DK, and Swanky offers a vast choice in color for your own high-contrast version. Lamana and Double Sunday would also make for a great option for this mosaic beauty!
Magpie Reading Recs
page turners & yarn burners
Love a good read? Then settle in for 'page turners & yarn burners' where our bookworm staff spills the tea on their latest literary adventures. From heart-wrenching memoirs to page-turning mysteries, whimsical fantasies to thought-provoking non-fiction, we'll share diverse recommendations guaranteed to tantalize your reading taste buds and give your current WIP some company. Each edition, one of our staff members will unveil their personal favorites and insightful reviews. We will be using links that support our local indie bookstore, The Curious Iguana. We are firm believers that you should support indie bookstores whenever you can!
Magpie: Samm
Book: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
“If, like me, you like a good mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is a FANTASTIC read! Lisa Jewell does such an incredible job telling a story from different character’s points of view and various moments in time. So good at it, that you think it will be impossible for her to bring it all together in the end, but she always does. Seamlessly, perfectly and satisfyingly.” - Samm
Swanky is a silky blend of merino, cashmere and nylon with beautiful drape and sheen.
80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon
Approx. 400 yards/115 grams