Q is for Quince
I remember having a sweet illustrated alphabet when I was little, and the Q stood for Quince. I never knew what it was, and my usually curious mind never bothered to find its meaning. I never thought much about the word until, what feels like ages ago, rumors started to spread about a "Pam-Allen yarn". Of course, I squealed (internally) and immediately tried to find as much information about it as possible.
When I found out the new company's name would be Quince & Co., I was intrigued. (Since having my illustrated alphabet, I had found out that Quince was a fruit, but nothing more than that.)
What I didn't know about Quinces is that they are resistant to frost and must have a cold spell in order to flower properly. Well if that isn't the perfect name for a yarn company, I don't know what it is!
Luckily, I've been able to work with their yarn and today they released a design I created with their Osprey yarn. I had such a great time playing around with their yarns. Osprey is so unbelievably soft, it just glides right through your fingers. I was drawn to Osprey in particular, because I had been working with so much Fingering and Worsted weight yarns, that something bulky really caught my eye. What I also love about Osprey is even though it's bulky, I didn't feel like I was lifting weights while I was knitting. The yarn is very light despite it's gauge, and the resulting fabric has a lovely drape.
When I started swatching for Wickerwork, I had an inkling of what I wanted to do. A garment, for sure. Something simple with that little twist of Pam Allen (y'all know what I'm talking about), feminine but not overly girly, and finally the necessary dash of New England - all things I associate with Quince & Co. The first swatch I made, was the stitch pattern I went with. I can't tell you how unusual that is. It usually takes a little time to get used to a yarn and how it behaves. And more time to get a sense of what types of stitches look good. And even more time to figure out what needle size and gauge work. But I clicked with this yarn right out of the gate. We just meshed.
Once the sketch and swatch were approved, it was onto the actual garment. I hem'ed and haw'ed about what color I wanted to use, and ultimately left the decision up to Pam. She chose Honey, and I don't think there's a more perfect color for this design.
First of all, is that not the most perfect name for that color?! I love it! It makes the stitch pattern really stand out, and the color is so much fun and unusual without being jarring or obnoxious. I think you'd also be surprised how complimentary this color is on a number of skin tones. Seriously. I didn't believe it at first either.
Anyway, I really meant for this design to be accessible. I think it will look great on a number of different body types. I truly hope you enjoy Wickerwork. And definitely give Osprey a try. You'll fall in love!
