Y'all I've been waiting for over a year to share about this collaboration and am over the moon that the day is finally here! Even though I was not able to share anything until now, this was my first ever submission that was accepted by a publication. I'll never forget waking up on that early morning and checking my emails as I always do before I get out of bed and with sleep in my eyes seeing the Congratulations! It took a couple cups of coffee to truly process it...but oh my gosh I couldn't believe it.
So without further ado I share with you Unity. This oversize, cozy cardigan is a part of Making Stories Issue 4...releasing today (01 Sep 2020)! It is designed to be worn with up to 17”/44cm of positive ease. The draping sleeves falling just below the elbows and large front pockets Unity is great for lounging or to throw over your favorite top and jeans as you run out the door. Well for 2020 it's really yoga pants or leggings, right?!? Unity was inspired by a desire to include more staple and comfortable wardrobe pieces in my own closet. The pockets, collar, and hems have a squishy rib design which reminds me of all makers joining or crossing arms together and forging a united path forward towards inclusivity whether it be in size, race, sexuality, or another barrier we need to break down to share our light and love and be inclusive of all. Unity is knit from the top down, beginning with the collar. You knit both the left and right sides, then pick-up stitches to begin the body. The collar is knit throughout the body of the cardigan in one piece. The pockets are added while you finish the bottom. Making Stories yarn partner Erika Knight provided the yarn for this design. It is knit in DK weight using British Blue 100 (100% pure British Blue-faced Leicester wool, 240 yds / 220 m per 100 g) in Clarissa. This was my first time knitting with British Blue yarn and it was beautiful!
Check with your local yarn shop or online at Making Stories for your own copy. It is available in hardcopy or digital. PS - A little birdie shared with me that my LYS, Yarnology will have copies available!
Embrace.
In Making Stories Issue 4, I share an article too. Or a story rather. About me, body positivity, learning to love yourself for more than just how you look on the outside. As makers, it is important to accept who we are today - it makes it easier to knit or sew that beautiful sweater or dress so it fits you perfectly. This is easier said that done right? We all have our own story. We all have our own struggle. I have been there and am still there. Everyday is about accepting, embracing, learning. I share with you a little excerpt from my article...it's how I close the article, and reflects what I believe as a designer and a maker. It is what I strive for no matter which hat I'm wearing for the day. "To all of us designers and aspiring designers – any person of any size can look fantastic in anything. Accept all body shapes and sizes as beautiful. Showcase your designs on all body shapes. Make a conscious effort to design for a variety of silhouettes. Accept and understand designing for all body shapes does not mean you just size everything up or down – it is really a matter of adjusting for propor-tions. Your understanding and effort to design for size inclusivity will not go unnoticed. It will be appreciated and embraced. To all of us makers and aspiring makers - making your own wardrobe requires you to truly see your body as you are today. Embrace this! It is a great step forward to body positivity. Respect yourself and your body. Put your time, love and energy into the size you are today not where you hope to be tomorrow. Enjoy the now, show us all your beautiful self today in your new handmade wardrobe. Creating your own handmade wardrobe should feel good. Everyone deserves something beautiful to put on his or her body, regardless of what size it is. Whether fat or thin, or somewhere in between, size does not define us." Happy Knitting & Be Well My Friend!
XO,
Crystal
PS...a little sneak of more to come in September
