I received Making Stories’ newest book, Jewels, in exchange for a complete review. I have enjoyed reading it over the past week and am now able to share my thoughts about it below. There is also an opportunity to win a copy for yourself and even some yarn! More on that later.
Making Stories was founded by Berlin-based designers, Verena Cohrs (@sustanablistco formerly known as the Wool Club) and Hanna Lisa Haferkamp (@hlh.designs). Their work is focused on sustainability and ethically produced European yarns. Jewels is their 3rd publication containing 12 modern knitwear designs inspired by “deep strong tones of rubies, emeralds, sapphires and opals.”
My favorite design in this collection is the Citrine Pullover by Emily Greene.
Ever since I saw the first teaser photo on Instagram, I knew I had to make it.
The bold lines combined with a boxy, cropped fit and close-fitting sleeves are all elements of my ideal sweater. Not to mention it’s knit using worsted weight. Can it be more perfect?
I knew I wanted to try out the same yarn used for the pattern, De Rerum Natura Giliatt, so I immediately went on their website to choose a color. As always, I find this to be the toughest part! I was torn between genet, fauve, and plume. Unfortunately, genet which was my first choice, and the same color used for the sample wasn’t in stock but that’s ok because I couldn’t take my eyes off fauve.
It’s so far outside my typical color palette, I know! But I’ve been loving earth tones lately and have been craving to add a deep orange to my wardrobe. I also think since I already have a lot of neutrals that I won’t have a problem matching a shawl with it. Plus, it’ll look great with blue jeans 🙂 I can’t wait to swatch!
Here are a few more patterns I’m loving from the book:
The Morganite Hat designed by Imke Von Nathusius is made up of beautiful “diamonds, getting smaller and smaller, flowing out of a line of twisted rib.” I love the color they chose – Darkest Lac from Moel View Yarn.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love geometric patterns and the texture of twisted stitches. I can definitely say this is must knit for me.
The Paraiba cardigan designed by Nadya Stallings has an open front, all over texture and has my name written all over it.
Described as “the one garment you’re going to grab from your closet to throw on over your pj’s to have your morning coffee and your black turtleneck when you meet your best friend for dinner”.
Ummm, yes, please!
The only thing I will note is that it is kind of hard to see the texture of the sweater from the book. They’re all lovely photos, don’t get me wrong, but the motif is somewhat lost against the dark background.
I did have a peek on Ravelry, and was able to see the design clearly from one of the project photos. Based on that, I do see myself knitting this in a shade of grey. Instant wardrobe staple!
Another beauty calling to me is the Heliotrope shawl designed by Sabine Engel.
I have been wanting to cast on a blanket type shawl and the play on bold lines and contrasting colors drew me in.
I did wish they included a photo in the book where I can see the full shape and design of the shawl. I mean, I knew from the description that it was basically a rectangle, but I would have still liked to see it laid out for a clearer view.
It doesn’t bother me though, just a personal preference. I’m totally in love with this design either way and can not wait to make one for myself. It is knit using fingering weight and requires approx. 1690 yards which is going to be a labor of love for sure.
But it’s totally worth it!!!
I have been working on mittens for my kids for Christmas this year. It has been so satisfying to have a quick FO with very little effort so I was thrilled to see a pair included in this book, Spinel by Becky Sorensen (also known as @sopranoknits).
What an adorable colorwork pattern! I haven’t decided if I’ll go with the original 4 colors or just 2. All I know is that this will be the matching mitten to go with my Morganite hat. Both are knit in DK weight and I’ve already made a note to pick up an extra skein 🙂
Last but certainly not the least, I really want to cast on Garnet by Hanna Lisa Haferkamp.
You know how much I love knitting socks!
I always have a pair on the needles and I do have quite the collection already but what I did notice is the lack of lace socks. I’ve only made 1 lace pattern before and I intend to rectify that, starting with this beauty!
There are many more amazing patterns in the book and I encourage you to have a peek at the entire collection. You can find Jewels on Ravelry here.
There is also a KAL happening in the Making Stories group which you can join here. There will be lots of prizes and there is plenty of time to enter. The deadline is not until Feb. 28, 2019. There are also 2 other KAL’s happening right now for Topaz and Rubellite.
Here’s a peak of the rest of the patterns included in the book:
Jewels also has plenty of insightful articles from Melody Hoffman, Paula Goosen, Diana Walla, and Katie Green on yarn + color substitutions. The book also features a designer and yarn profile where you can learn about their creative inspirations and backgrounds.
Click here to purchase your copy of Jewels
// GIVEAWAY DETAILS //
As mentioned earlier, I did receive a second copy of Jewels as a brand ambassador to give to you! Look out for that giveaway on the next podcast (episode 6) on YouTube.
I may have also picked up an extra sweater’s quantity of De Rerum Natura Gilliatt to make Citrine. I’ve been wanting to do a giveaway on Instagram as a thank you to my followers. I’m just blown away for reaching over 5k! Can you guess which color I got?
Make sure you are subscribed to my channel on YouTube and are following along on Instagram – @pearadiseisland for your chance to win a copy of Jewels, and/or, 5 skiens of De Rerum Natura Gilliat yarn to make your own Citrine Pullover!
#jewelsmakingstoriesKAL
Will you be knitting along with us? What pattern from Jewels are you most excited about?
>>All photos via Making Stories<<
