Thar She Blows!

I am not sure I have shared the depth of my admiration/knit-crush on Ann Weaver.  She is cool. Her patterns–beyond cool.  I want to be her when I grow up.  Except that I am almost old enough to be her mother.  Oh, well. In my next life maybe.

Ann was at Rhinebeck with copies of her newest book, White Whale, Volume II and I snagged a copy.  It continues her exploration of Moby Dick, begun in White Whale, Volume I.  This book also features art work by Matt Kish and this time all the patterns are knit with  yarn dyed especially for Ann by great indie dyers.

While Ann’s presentation is always edgy–the photos were shot in industrial port-side Baltimore and a few feature her signature grellow color (incandescent in that setting)-her designs are knittable and wearable.  Not just for the thin, young and hip but for anyone.  There are two sweaters, a hat, mitts/gloves, and a lace shawl.  I don’t know where to start, although The Hat is calling my name. Check out this book and see what catches your eye.

As if that wasn’t enough for one mere mortal designer to be up to, Ann has collaborated with Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Company to create a collection of patterns called Cityscapes.  As they say in the intro “These two urban ladies share a love of rich, saturated color and clean, geometric design.”  I am particularly tempted by the Old Town Mod hat which combines Latvian Braids and garter stitch. Yum!