Don’t mind me as I pinch myself over here. I officially have a Knitatude x We Are Knitters kit collection and I am SO excited to bring it to you. 5 news kits, all with their newly re-launched Meripaca yarn.
HOW IT ALL HAPPENED
Back in the fall of last year, I went on an Instagram live with Alberto from WAK to talk about my Bombshell Bomber kit that we had recently launched as part of the “Makers Around the World Collection” and he asked me what my favourite We Are Knitters yarn was. I told him straight up that it was Meripaca (a yarn that they had discontinued earlier in the year) and that I was CHAPPED that it was gone.
Imagine: a slightly thicker size 4 worsted/light size 5 bulky yarn that knits up like a dream, has stitch definition for the gods, and is as soft as silk.
That… was Meripaca and I loved it so much that I had literally been hoarding the last couple of balls I had leftover in my stash. He replied at the time with a comment that they had multiple emails about it and maybe they might bring it back. We scoffed and giggled as he mentioned “Maybe if we bring it back, you could do a collection for the launch” - which ummm duh, but I didn’t hold my breath.
Fast forward a few months later and this beautiful email popped up in my inbox titled “KNITATUDE X WE ARE KNITTERS: A COLLECTION DESIGNED BY YOU”. Holy. Forking. Shit. Meripaca was coming back - and that off hand comment was coming true. 5 kits designed by yours truly, coming out in Fall 2021.
NEXT STEPS
As with any collection, I started sketching my proposed designs. I ended up sending them 8 designs in total, and we landed on 5. The Cable Crush Bolero, Easy Eyelet Sweater Scarf, Soft Serve Scarf, Soft Serve Hat and the Step Into Prep Vest. Each of these patterns use Meripaca and either 5mm or 8mm needles.
AFTER THAT
After that - I got to knitting, and frogging, and knitting… and frogging. To say this collab was one of the most frustrating and challenging… is an understatement - but I will keep all of it positive here. Just know that there were yarn delays, tons of frogging, some blocking mishaps and some literal CUTTING of yarn and cast ons…
I’ll just add some of those reels below for you, so you can commiserate with me.
This one I had to rip because I didn’t set up the neckline correct for the Step Into Prep vest, so she got a full on frog: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CLhZKYKgk0c/
Then for the Cable Crush Bolero I literally knit in the WRONG direction, so after I seamed it…. I had to cut off the cast on and pick it up again instead of starting from scratch when I was almost done: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CMF_uGEAlij/
Fun times, what can I say. But the end result is SO pretty. We finished all of them up back in April and headed to Lake Louise to get photos and holy FUCK it was cold. These were taken over 2 days and waking up at 6:30 in the morning to do my own hair and makeup and then run outside in -15 weather to snap, freeze our fingers off and then rush inside. That being said? SO WORTH IT!
MAKING A SIZE-INCLUSIVE COLLECTION
Then I went into full-on writing phase. I knew that WAK wasn’t really known for being size-inclusive and they have been called on it in the past. Not this go-round. Not with my patterns. With this being a part of my brand that I have been REALLY trying to advocate for, I wanted to ensure that every piece in this collection was available to all sizes. So each pattern is designed and graded by yours truly as either hybrid sizing, one size (for the hat and scarf) or the full 9 sizes that range from XS (a 28’ bust) to a 5X (a 62” bust). We Are Knitters usually has their own team grade all patterns from S-3X, but I wanted to feel confident in knowing that my followers are getting what they are used to. It’s what they expect of me, and just because I am working with another brand, does not mean that this should/could be skirted. This happened with my Bombshell Bomber last year and I still kick myself for not pushing harder or doing my own grading.
THE YARN
Now before we break down each piece of the collection and how/why I designed it - let’s talk about the yarn. *Insert Swoon emojis* Meripaca is a size 5 bulky yarn that is 153 yards (140 meters) from a 100 gram balls and is made from 80% merino wool and 80% alpaca. So it’s super smooth, has the drape of an alpaca blend, but the structure of wool from the merino. When I say this yarn is soft… I mean it. I was distraught when they discontinued it, which is why I am so ecstatic that it’s made its way back onto shelves. I used it for my Diamond Knit Dress back in 2018 and it still holds up today. It hasn’t grown much with use, and it hasn’t pilled at ALL (and I wear it at least once a month when it starts to hit Fall).
I do find that it knits up like an aran weight, and I would say that it would be the PERFECT yarn sub for my Syngonium Sweater (where the Purl Soho yarn I used for it has also been discontinued).
Note: it is superwash merino, so I suggest steam-blocking it. I find my superwash knits grow like crazy when I wet-block them and this definitely was the case when knitting/blocking my Step Into Prep Vest. Normally I can chuck it in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes and it’s fine, but this go-round it felted on me. So be aware and watch it like a HAWK if you go this route.
OK let’s go into each piece…
THE CABLE CRUSH CARDIGAN
This, in my opinion - the star of the collection. It was also the last one I sketched out and I am so happy with it. I wanted something that you could cocoon yourself in on the weekend with a book, but still wear to brunch with the girls and feel effortlessly put together. Pair it with a messy top-knot and some skinny jeans and boots and *muah - perfection.
The cables really shine in this piece and I love that they totally take-your-breath-away when you turn around. It’s extremely beginner friendly as the majority is knit in an entire square with cables. You legit knit yourself a blanket and the seam is a particular way to create a shrug formation, and then add the sleeves at the end.This kit is designed in hybrid sizing that is grouped into 3 sizes 1) XS-M (28-38” bust), 2) L-2X (40-50” bust) and 3) 3X-5X (52-62” bust)
THE EASY EYELET SWEATER SCARF
You really didn’t think I could go without doing one of my trademark eyelets or sweater scarf designs did you? I HAD to! This yarn is seriously such a good match for making a more bulky sweater scarf and I couldn’t say no. The drape of the Meripaca fits so well, but still has the warmth of the wool and wraps you up in coziness. If you don’t know what a sweater scarf is, it’s essentially a scarf with sleeves that can be worn multiple ways. check out my previous listings of the Wrap Me Up Sweater Scarf and the Wrapped Up In Cables Sweater Scarf. They make the perfect winter wedding accessory and are great to wear around the house.
This kit is also designed in hybrid sizing which is grouped into 3 sizes 1) XS-M (28-38” bust), 2) L-2X (40-50” bust) and 3) 3X-5X (52-62” bust)
THE SOFT SERVE SCARF
I am in love with oversized shawl/scarves this year and I am so happy they are making their way back on trend. The Soft Serve Scarf actually pays homage to my “Soft Serve Beanie” design that I released back in 2018 (more about that later), as I’ve always had a soft spot for simple stitches that create the most classic of designs.
The Soft Serve Scarf is extremely beginner-friendly as has a playful twist (literally) that brings attention to the basic rectangular shape. Perfect to wear as a shawl around your shoulders or tucked into a peacoat, this beauty is sure to keep you warm!
THE SOFT SERVE HAT
OK, you know I’m a sucker for pairings, and I wanted to do just that. The Soft Serve Hat is meant to be a match with the scarf, but it’s probably my favourite of the two. It’s so simple, but the spiral effect as it lays on your head is mesmerizing. I worked my god-diddly-damn darnest to make sure that the crown of it keeps it’s spiral effect and I love the top of the hat as much as the bottom. This pattern is designed in adult size heads and will fit a circumference of 19-22'“.
Fun fact: WAK doesn’t have circular needles, so this one is knit flat and seamed, BUT if you want a similar pattern - check out my Soft Serve Beanie. It’s knit in the round and has a similar style!
THE STEP INTO PREP VEST
Last, but certainly not least - The Step Into Prep Vest. I had been looking forward to creating more layering pieces for the fall and winter, and I really loved the idea of the designing a preppy vest that you would see as people start filling the halls of Univeristy and colleges. Like hello, you could totally imagine this in a scene from Legally Blonde haha, but my fav part (outside of the mitred v-neck) are the SIDES. Vests are normally so stuffy to me, so I wanted to create a modern take with open panels and a matching horizontal ribbing attachment. I can’t get over how friggen cute this looks with the collar shirt I stole from Todd.
This pattern is the sole pattern in the collection that is graded in 9 full sizes - XS-5X (28-62” bust) and I hope you love it as much as I do.
OK I think that’s it - which piece from the collection is your fav!?