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Louet North America Spring 2014 . . . and a Giveaway!

2/3/2014

30 Comments

 
PictureMari Chiba's "Ballson"
The giveaway is now closed.  Enjoy the review!

When Mari Chiba asked me to be a part of the blog tour for this collection, I said yes right away.  This warm- and transitional-weather collection has 11 designs, all with delicate knitterly touches.


My favorite design in this collection is Ballson by Mari Chiba.  The deep square neckline has just the right amount of cling and just the right amount of lace.  The shaping is worked a little way in from the sides for an even more flattering look.  

The short sleeves make this a sweater I could wear year-round down here in Louisiana, if it were small enough.  The smallest size is 33" chest, and although there is no ease specification I think to fit me well I would need a 28 or 30.  Not many of the pieces in this collection are that small (sizes for the entire collection are on Ravelry), but I'm not afraid of a little arithmetic and Ballson doesn't look too hard to size down.

As with many of the tops in this breezy collection, care should be taken when choosing foundation garments.  In some photos, the model's camisole shows, which means bra straps could be visible sometimes.  

Another great design is Anne Podlesak's Camulet.  I'm a big fan of Anne's aesthetic, and this henly doesn't disappoint.  Many of the pieces in this collection have the same name as cities, but I wasn't able to find Ballson or Camulet.  Or Blaeberry, a sweet stole by lace goddess Susanna IC (in slightly different versions) for fingering or lace weight yarn.

PictureAnne Podlesak's "Camulet"
The other shawl in this collection is Sheyenne, a deep crescent inspired by the ferns of Southern California.  Designed by Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams, the pattern requires simple chart reading and sock-heel short-rows:  a fun piece for timid knitters to expand their horizons while keeping it interesting for the more adventurous of us.

Another wonderful top is Karen Marlatt's Selway.  This  lace piece requires only minimal finishing.  This collection also includes two tank tops and a cardigan, as well as the designs pictured below.

These patterns are presented in clear two-column format with great schematics.  A feature I particularly like is the inclusion of the yarn label information on the pattern itself.

Caro Sheridan's photography represents this fun and relaxed collection well, and the flowers are an appropriate springtime touch.

And now, the giveaway:  I'll send one ball of Louet Gems Sport---enough for the contrast trim of Ballson---to one commenter chosen at random on February 15.  Simply say which design from this collection is your favorite, and why.  Check back to see who the winner is
---if nobody's claimed the prize by February 22, I'll choose an alternate.  Good luck!

Picture
Tiona Murphy's "Roanoke"
Picture
Patty Nance's "Tanana"
Picture
Jairlyn Mason's "Niobrara"
30 Comments
Alexis
2/6/2014 02:06:21 am

I love Blaeberry!

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:36:03 pm

Yes--and the two versions have such a different feel to them!

Reply
knittingdancer on Ravelry
2/7/2014 07:36:09 am

I like the shawl pattern "Sheyenne" because of the lace design across the bottom of the shawl.

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:36:39 pm

It is lovely.

Reply
kristen
2/7/2014 07:41:13 am

I love Tanana , ive always wanted to make a skirt

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:39:07 pm

Skirts are so fun! And this one promises to be even more fun because of some interesting work at the hem to make it slope.

Reply
Linda B
2/7/2014 09:16:14 am

I absolutely love Ballson. The square neckline in lace makes it really stand out from run of the mill round or scoop neck tops.
This design will get many many, compliments. ♥

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:34:12 pm

I think so, too! It's a beautiful design.

Reply
Natalia Gruen
2/7/2014 09:42:12 am

My favourite is also Blaeberry.
It has an elegant and delicate effect...without having to use very small needles.
The design changes subtly to keep the lace pattern interesting without being excessive. This is its great asset.
Wonderful balance of playfulness and style.

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:40:26 pm

Susanna IC has a special touch with lace design.

Reply
sandy
2/7/2014 12:14:13 pm

I love ballson!! It speaks of fairy tales and spring flings, floral skirts and strappy sandals. I love the delicate look of the lace and squared neckline. Can't wait to knit this one.

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:41:25 pm

You say it so well!

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Sara
2/7/2014 11:54:47 pm

Roanoke hands down! Sweet, simple, and the touch of lace at the top is beautiful.

Rav ID: SaraMCrafts

Reply
Kangath link
2/14/2014 11:42:39 pm

Yes, "sweet" is the word for this one!

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Meghan
2/8/2014 01:59:42 am

I love Camulet. I'm a fan of long sleeved pullovers, and I love the neckline!

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Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:08:16 am

And the stretchy lace helps it cling in all the right places!

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purplepenguin
2/8/2014 04:18:54 am

I like Roanoke. The touch of cable/lace at the neckline is classy.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:10:03 am

Yes--it reminds me of Virginia Norman's Hurricane Tunic.

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Patsy Coays
2/8/2014 09:05:10 am

Sheyenne because I like crescent shaped shawls.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:11:55 am

And this is a very slim crescent! It's gorgeous.

Reply
Connie Kline
2/8/2014 11:52:21 am

I love Abita - the back detailing is beautiful.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:13:15 am

I love the peek-a-boo pleat.

Reply
kelly s
2/9/2014 01:53:27 am

Hands down, Selway. I like the drape & sheerness of it plus the look could be changed dramatically by the color of the underpinning worn below.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:16:20 am

I do like these drapey lace tops.

Reply
Rose S.
2/9/2014 04:25:00 am

I love Blaeberry because it makes me think of Spring which needs to get here sooner rather than later this year.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:17:03 am

I think that may be why it was chosen for the cover!

Reply
Kathlyne
2/11/2014 09:00:02 am

I like Roanoke. I think it would be something I would wear a lot.

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:18:49 am

It's cute but understated--very versatile.

Reply
Trisha link
2/13/2014 02:28:36 pm

OMG Tanana, where have you been all my life?!

Reply
Kangath link
2/15/2014 01:19:36 am

; )

Reply

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