In the knitting element

There are certain basic rules. For example: Back is back, front is front. Sure, that's logical. But what if you simply rethink this? That's what Anne Ventzel did with her current model - and I think it's really cool!

The design process for the Cilla Sun came to a bit of a standstill. That's the way it is sometimes: I feel the same way with texts and some of our designs also go through one or two extra loops until we are really satisfied.

Anne Ventzel simply tried on the beginning of the shirt. That works well here: knitting is done from the top down. The only modification she made at that moment: she wore the back at the front. And suddenly - bang - the fire was back (to stay in the elemental image).

The pattern have been available since this week; as yet not in German. But it will follow and from what I know, it won't take long.

In the knitting set you will find the yarn combination of Cashmere Classic from Cardiff Cashmere and Tynn Line from Sandnes. What, what, Cardiff? That's right! As of this week, we have another manufacturer on board. You have asked so often for this cashmere quality that we have now decided to add it to our portfolio.

The fibers come from Inner Mongolia, where they are sourced from selected farmers and their animals. They are then spun and dyed in Italy. The yarn is suitable for all types of DK projects (i.e. with stitch samples of approx. 22 stitches per 10 cm) and produces a beautiful stitch definition. And of course it is soft too - but how!

So-called "basic elements" are also important for emotional balance and general well-being - i.e. items of clothing that fit so seamlessly into your wardrobe that you want to wear them every day and can combine them perfectly.

Susanne alias Paula_m is simply reliable in the design forge. As soon as we saw the beginnings of her freestyle shirt, it was clear to us that this design would of course be accompanied by a knitting set.

The pattern have been available since yesterday evening and the set is already online with us: we suggest Sole by Pascuali, a cotton-cashmere yarn that produces a wonderful stitch definition and is also very comfortable to wear directly on the skin.

When we select a yarn for you, we always try to match the original colors. In this case, in addition to a striped version, this is also: plain black. This is also available from Sole and I believe that the extra concentration is worthwhile here. Yes, it's a bit of a challenge to knit such a dark color, but having something so timeless and easy to combine in your wardrobe - it's worth it.

The freestyle shirt is knitted from the top down. As you would expect from Susanne, you will receive detailed pattern that are sophisticated but not confusing.

The collar is doubled and has a beautiful crosswise row of stitches that emphasizes it. The raglan shoulders are formed with short rows. You then finish the shirt in the round towards the bottom. The lower cuffs are also worked in stockinette stitch and form a nice clean finish. The effect of such small details should not be underestimated.

If you don't like it quite so simple and prefer more color: I have discovered something new from Susanne Sommer. The fact that I have a Susanne here twice in a row was not intentional, but it's a nice coincidence.

You already know that I really like the Austrian and her designs. So it goes without saying that I also had to take a closer look at the Base Camp Shrug. In addition to the opportunity to play with colors, I like the wide cut in combination with tight-fitting cuffs.

Perfect from a year-round yarn

So what is this "shrug" actually? Well, it's actually a kind of "cover-up". But with sleeves. So it's also a cardigan. Two in one, so to speak, and one thing is clear: you can easily survive chilly summer evenings on the terrace with it.

The model is knitted from the top down in the patt. We recommend another yarn from Pascuali: Puno Winikunka. The quality is made up of cotton and alpaca - so it's something for all year round.

You'll find the brine mentioned above again in the Ria V-neck shirt from Caidree. The designer is a guarantee for beautiful, simple shirts and tops. The new model fits in seamlessly.

It is actually knitted - haha - seamlessly top down. The model is knitted in stockinette stitch, with only the hem and cuffs in a ribbed pattern. This makes it similar to a jumper, but one that is not too woolly and is comfortable to wear next to the skin.

And then I have another insider tip for you - which we will certainly be showing you more often in the coming weeks. I was with Marisa in Berlin the other day for a new project (the video camera played a big part - I'll tell you more about that soon!) and she unwrapped a package from our commissioned knitter Marta. Inside: The Hør no 16 based on a pattern by Lone Kjeldsen.

We were blown away. We really were. So great! Marta knitted with Lino from BC Garn, just as we laid out in the knitting kit. The pure linen yarn is very grippy when knitting and therefore takes some getting used to. But the finished knitted piece - boah, so, so beautiful! Really! Marisa has chosen the colors natural beige (33) and midnight blue (50). She'll be taking photos soon, then it'll be all about linen, I tell you!

Our latest podcast episode is also about crocheting. Of course not only - knitting is and remains our great passion! But no matter which of the two crafts you prefer - yarn is always needed. For example from Sandnes from Norway.

And that's exactly where Marisa was a few weeks ago and reports on her impressions in the latest episode. Whether it's a visit to the yarn factory or a barbecue evening on a terrace without the sun setting - I dare say you'll get the travel bug. Have a listen!

You can also read more right here on the blog - because "On the needles {June}" just went online yesterday. Louisa tapped the Maschenfein team and asked them for their progress on the current projects. The result is another colorful mix. And as always, we'd love you to tell us what you're knitting (or crocheting ...)!