Summer knits with linen

We have long been fans of Louet's Euroflax Sport Weight linen yarn.  It is a superior quality, fine linen which is double boiled and then steamed to ensure maximum softness. It  feels stiff to the touch in the skein, then transforms almost magically when your finished project is washed and dried. Yes, it seems totally counter-intuitive, but the yarn manufacturer actually encourages machine use to soften your project.  And what a treat to have a hand knit that doesn't insist on hand washing!Some knitters wash the yarn before they knit with it in order to be able to work with it in its softer state.  I have not been brave enough, and prefer to wait to see the change after the potential for snarly tangles has passed.  So I must confess that I have struggled with the stiffness of the yarn as I work with it.  (Working almost exclusively with soft resilient wool has spoiled me for working with the less bouncy plant based fibers that have more structure.)But Dawn and Kristin love working with this yarn.  They have both made many projects with it in summers past.  Over the last couple of months they both eagerly found some stunning projects that we have on display in the shop this month that beautifully illustrate just how well linen knits up. And look at the amazing soft drape that is possible.  This is Ishbel, a classic shawl pattern designed by Ysolda.  Almost 13,000 Ravelers have knit this shawl since the pattern was first published, and it is easy to see why.Kristin's classic French blue version looks as though it could beautifully accessories anything from jeans and a t-shirt at the Farmers' Market to a little sundress at a more formal picnic. Dawn consistently makes stunning projects with this yarn.  This Spring she cast on for the Simple Hemp Tote that she saw on the Espace Tricot blog.   It’s worked as a long rectangle with angled corners, folded in half and seamed to finish.  The FREE pattern is very well written and easy to follow.And we thought it would make a fun Knit Along.  The garter stitch knitting should make for a fun social project that will give us the freedom to chat and relax.  So, we'll be casting on for this beautiful tote on Tuesday March 26th.  We hope that you can join us for our Community Knit Night that evening so that we can all cast on.  It is always fun to see what colors other knitters gravitate towards, and to check in on each others progress in upcoming weeks.Stop on by the shop before the 26th so that we can get your yarn selected and wound for you before our KAL starts!