Unveiling the Long-Awaited Florence Shawl
Back in September we introduced the new Yarnadelic range by John Arbon Textiles and announced we were collaborating with designer Florence Spurling to create a special pattern using the yarn. Today the wait is over and we are so happy to welcome the Florence Shawl to the Loop family!
Florence’s textile designs are absolutely to die for. She specialises in knitted textiles, embroidery and embellishment. Her studio celebrates traditional craftmanship and aims to incorporate skilled handwork into modern design. All this makes Florence not only a Loop favourite (she also designed the Scout Shawl) but also a perfect match for John Arbon Textiles yarns. As one of the last small-scale spinning mills in the UK, the family-run company uses lovingly restored vintage machinery to create their artisan yarns. Could there be a better pairing?
The botanical-inspired Florence Shawl takes advantage of Yarnadelic’s rich tones and gorgeous texture, using bobbles, slip stitches and lovely shapes to create a garment as polished and beautiful as it is warm and cosy. Three-dimensional flowers are made individually and then their live edge stitches are picked up to work the long, narrow crescent body in garter stitch. We have kits for this shawl in two colourways, Woman in Blue and Pink Moon. Both are available to purchase today and come with ample yarn to finish the shawl plus a printed pattern and a Loop cotton bag. All you need to supply are the needles! If you prefer to purchase the pattern on its own, PDF copies are available through Florence’s Ravelry and website.
We are so excited about this pattern. Aside from being totally gorgeous, it’s our first collaboration on a new pattern since the pandemic. It brings us so much joy to be creating with talented people like Florence again! We have a ton of activities planned to make it easier and more fun for everyone to get this shawl on their needles. From mid-January we’ll host a Knit Along on Ravelry for anyone working on the shawl, and in February Florence will visit Loop — virtually and in the shop — to host a tutorial on all the techniques used in the shawl. Details on all these lovely ways to get involved will be coming soon.
Are you comfortable with the basics of knitting but itching to do some more advanced exploration? Our Improvers Knitting Class is the perfect way to take your knitting to the next level. Lovely Loopette Emma Brace will teach pattern reading, tension checking, colourwork techniques and textured stitches. Our November Improvers series is sold out, but we’ve just added an additional series on November 25th, December 2nd and 9th. Each class takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Loop shop.
It’s a day of launches! In addition to the Florence Shawl, today marks the publication date of Stripes, the latest collection by leading Finnish designer Veera Välimäki. Veera’s work is renowned for its simple, clean lines and modern details. The 20 patterns in Stripes are no exception. In eight shawls, six sweaters, three cardigans, one dress, a pair of socks, and a beanie Veera invites the knitter to embark on their own journey through stripes. Yarns used in Stripes include Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, Quince & Co Sparrow and Lichen and Lace Rustic Heather Sport.
New Issue of Embroidery Magazine
The latest issue of Embroidery Magazine has just arrived in the shop. As usual it is full of ideas and inspiration for any textile lover. The November/December 2021 issue focuses on ideas around rootedness and home. Contributing artists including Alice Fox, Giulio Miglietta and Maria Thomas reflect on how we choose to live and the impact that has on what we make. Whether you’re a keen embroiderer or just a fan of embellished fabrics, the magazine’s features and deep dives on everything from homespun handcraft to high fashion catwalks will be sure to please!
Happy crafting!
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Amazingly lovely and so inspiring ~ Happy New Year to you all ~