Malabrigo Newsletter | Summer 2019

Sabana Lace Pullover in malabrigo Verano Book 16

SUMMER 2019 NEWSLET TER

TA B L E O F

Contents DESIGNER INTERVIEW

| 4

Barbara Benson F E AT U R E D K N I T PAT T E R N

| 8

Rasta Cowlette F E AT U R E D C R O C H E T PAT T E R N

| 14

Dotty Cowl F E AT U R E D B O O K

| 18

Verano, The Pima Cotton Collection YA R N S P O T L I G H T

New! Malabrigo Verano F R E E K N I T PAT T E R N

Margarita Shawl BEHIND THE SCENES

Meet Natalia THE COLORS OF MALABRIGO

What’s behind a name?

UPCOMING EVENTS

Trade shows

| 20

| 22

| 26

| 30

| 36

Esperanza, Dolman Striped Pullover in malabrigo Verano, Book 16

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

Barbara Benson The very first yarn “fan” group that I joined on Ravelry was Malabrigo Junkies. I posted of my newfound love for this beautifully dyed and amazingly soft yarn and found myself among like-minded knitters and at the beginning of a long adventure with Malabrigo. Once I started designing I was super excited when I was selected to create two Quickies and a Malabrigo Freelance Pattern Project (MFPP). During my MFPP I learned that the Independent Design Coordinator had decided to move on, so I applied to take over the position and here I am!

As the Independent Design Coordinator, I now manage both the Quickie and MFFP programs among other responsibilities like working with Indie designers who want to use our yarn in their designs. I also handle most of the Malabrigo related stuff on Ravelry and frequently assist knitters with pattern support questions. My family recently relocated to Florida from Atlanta but since everything I do can be done online it hasn’t affected anything, well, I didn’t used to knit on the beach! I juggle my responsibilities for Malabrigo with my design work and family time.

What sparked your passion for yarn and knitting?

Ravelry, without a doubt. I learned how to crochet from my Grandma at a young age, but it never really clicked. Years went by and a friend of mine introduced me to Ravelry, specifically a forum group called the Harry Potter Knit and Crochet House Cup. My crochet skills improved a little, but I kept seeing all of the beautiful things that everyone else was knitting and I 4 | D e signe r I nte r vie w

just had to learn. So you could say it was a combination of Ravelry and Harry Potter, oddly enough.

So is it still the wizardly world of Hogwarts that continues keeps you going back to the needles or do you draw from something else?

I’m afraid that once knitting became my full-time occupation there really wasn’t much time for online knitting games any more.

Most of my design inspiration

comes from one of two sources, yarn or technique (sometimes both). I usually begin with some swatching with whichever yarn calls me at that time. I work some texture, cables, and lace to see what it likes and proceed from there.

Other times I pick up one of my many stitch dictionaries and see what grabs my attention at that very moment. Again, I turn toward the swatch and start working through the chosen pattern.

Sometimes the stitch comes out to be exactly how I want but usually I tweak it a little bit here and a little bit there and I end up with a swatch that is an evolution of a thought over a foot long.

How long did the transition take from projects to designing?

I sometimes joke that I started designing because I couldn’t stop myself from modifying patterns.

The time that elapsed between learning to knit and publishing my first design to Ravelry was a little less than a year.

That’s an incredibly fast turn around! Do you tend to prefer and choose projects for specific techniques or how they look when knitted up?

Without a doubt I am a process knitter. Of course, I want everything I knit to look beautiful when it is knit up but for me it is all about the knitting process.

Many of my patterns start with a “what if”? An idea comes to me and then I have to work it out on the needles and see what happens. Simply attempting to visualize doesn’t really work for me. A lot of these ideas are total disasters, but I always learn something regardless. (continue) D e si gne r I nte r v i e w | 5

Bitis in Rasta © Stackpole Books/ Gale Zucker

Oscillare in Dos Tierras

Ring the Gack in Rios

Reciprocity in Silkpaca

6 | D e signe r I nte r vie w

Are there any other designers out there who have influenced you or your patterns at any stage of your knitting career?

Oh my, I could make a list, but I am sure I would leave someone off. I think that the best thing I did to take my design to the next level was to attend the TNNA conference.

Being able to spend quality time talking to other designers about their experiences has been invaluable. Each designer I’ve met has created their own approach to the industry and every one of them provided valuable insight into both design and the business of being a fiber entrepreneur.

Although you might be a bit biased, do you have any preferred colorways or yarns?

This is totally not a fair question, but I do have an answer. My first Quickie, Curiosity, was knit in what was at that time a brandnew color, Marte. If you look in my stash you will find that, since then, I have managed to purchase that color on every base it comes on. There is something about the interplay of the deep reds with the occasional flash of blue that jumps off the shelf and into my hands. As far as a specific yarn, I just can’t do it. I love them all and they are all special and have their own charm and applications.

Besides knitting how else do you spend your time?

Photography is a passion of mine that I have been able to use in my work – but I also still love non-work-related photography.

For my 45th birthday I received a brand-new bike and I am just excited about it as when I received one for my 10th birthday. But the newest thing in my life is that I am learning how to sail a one-person boat. I wanted to do something that was so completely out of my comfort zone and having moved to a coastal city it seemed like the thing to do. On a more sedentary note, I am also a huge lover of video games and reading!

patterns worked up in bulky weight yarns. One of my favorite pieces in the book is a huge crescent shaped shawl designed in Rasta, because there was no way I could have a book on bulky yarns without Rasta! My next big thing will be signing books at New York Sheep and Wool and I plan on wearing the Rasta shawl there.

~ CONNEC T WITH BARBARA

Besides sailing and gaming, what does the future look like? Do you have any new and exciting plans or projects for 2019?

I am currently about half way through designing a new shawl in Rios using Living Coral, the Pantone color of the year colorway for 2019. It is going to use about 4 skeins so I’m hoping to release it in early Fall as something warm and bright to wrap up in.

Other than that, my main focus has been promoting my new book that just came out. It is called Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits: 20 Shawls, Hats, Ponchos, and More in Bulky Yarn and it is all lace knitting

D e si gne r I nte r v i e w | 7

F E AT U R E D K N I T PAT T E R N

Rasta Cowlette designed by Barbara Benson It never ceases to amaze me what one can accomplish with only a single skein of Rasta. 90 yards, 82 meters, doesn’t seem like a lot but the super bulkiness of this unique yarn makes a little go a long way. In this cowlette the addition of lace extends the reach of the yardage even more and you end up with enough fabric that you can snuggle down into the neck and keep your head warm up to your ears while still having a fan of warmth to tuck into the top of your jacket. It’s also just enough to ward off the chill of a brisk day when worn as jewelry like accessory. The light new colors in TriBeCa really sing in this piece allowing the easy to work but intricate looking details of the lace to take center stage. Since the decreases are so visible in this bulky lace I chose to use a slightly unusual right leaning decrease that perfectly matches SK2P. It may seem a little strange at first, but you will soon get the hang of it.

P A T TER N INFORM ATI ON SK I L L L EV EL

Y AR N AMOUNT S

Easy

1 skein of malabrigo Rasta, #689 Valentina

SI Z ES

G AUG E

One Size

9 sts and 11 rnds = 4″/10 cm over lace pattern in the round, blocked

F I N I SH ED MEA SUR E M E N T S

Circumference: 22.5″/57cm at neck 32.5″/82.5cm at hem Height: 11″/28cm in front 8.5″/21.5cm in back

NE E DL E S

US 15 / 10mm circular needle, 16″ / 41cm long, or size to obtain gauge NOT IONS

Tapestry needle 4 stitch markers

8 | Fe a tu re d K nit Patter n

Fe at ure d K ni t Pa t ter n | 9

10 | Fe a tu re d K nit Patter n

A B B R EVIATIO NS

DIR E C T IO N S

dec(‘d) decrease(d)

rm

remove marker

EOR

end of row/round

rnd(s)

round(s)

k

knit

sl

slip

Set-up rnd: k24, pm, yo, k1, pm, yo, k23. 50 sts

k2tog knit 2 together

sm

slip marker

p

purl

st(s)

stitch(es)

pm

place marker

WS

wrong side

Work rnds 1 – 16 from written instructions or from chart. If working from chart, rep indicated sts to marker, sm, work central portion, sm, rep indicated sts to EOR.

rep

repeat(s)

yo

yarn over

T E C H N IQ UES SK P

Slip 1 st knitwise, k1, pass slip stitch over k1. 1 st dec’d SK 2P

Slip 1 st knitwise, knit 2 sts together, pass slip st over k2tog. 2 sts dec’d SSK- P SSF - SL 1

Step 1: sl 2 sts individually knitwise, return them to left needle and knit them together through their back loops.

Using the cable cast-on method, cast on 48 sts. Pm for EOR, join to work in rnds, taking care not to twist sts on needle.

Rep rnds 1 – 8 once more. (If you find yourself running tight on yarn you can omit Rnd 8 and go directly to the Final Rnd) Final rnd: (p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo twice, k1, yo twice, SK2P) 4 times, rm, p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo twice, (k1, yo) twice, k1, yo twice, SK2P, rm, (p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo twice, k1, yo twice, SK2P) 4 times. 76 sts Bind off all sts using following method making sure to bind off each yo individually: K1, *k1, insert left hand needle into the front legs of both sts on right hand needle and knit the two sts together through their back loops; rep from * until all sts are bound off.

FINIS HING

Step 2: sl last st on right needle to left needle purlwise.

Using tapestry needle, weave in ends on the WS.

Step 3: insert right needle through front leg of second st on left needle and lift it up and over the first st on the left needle and then drop it off of the front of the needle.

Block to finished measurements. Steam out any crease lines where piece was blocked flat. Trim ends.

Step 4: sl1 st on left needle to right needle purlwise and tighten to working tension. (2 sts dec’d) A video tutorial of ssk-pssf-sl1 can be found here: https://youtu.be/fbVGR-MnJNM?t=451 LACE P A T T ERN

worked in rnds; multiple of 8 sts Rnd 1: *p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P. 6 sts

WR IT T E N IN ST R U C T IO N S F O R C HA R T [first rep (second rep) sts count] Rnd 1: *p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, yo, k1, yo, sm, **p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from ** to EOR. 40 (52 sts) Rnd 2: *p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k3, sm, **p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from ** to EOR. 52 (68) sts

Rnd 2: *p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to EOR. 8 sts

Rnd 3: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, (k1, yo) twice, k1, sm, **p1, k7; rep from * to EOR. – 54 (70) sts

Rnds 3 & 4: *p1, k7; rep from * to EOR

Rnd 4: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k5, sm,

Fe a t ure d K ni t Pa t ter n | 11

**p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. Rnd 5: *p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, sm, **p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from ** to EOR. 44 (56) sts Rnd 6: *p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k7, sm, **p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from ** to EOR. 56 (72) sts Rnd 7: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, sm, **p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. – 58 (74) sts Rnd 8: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k9, sm, **p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. Rnd 9: *p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, SK2P, sm, **p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from ** to EOR. 46 sts

Rnd 11: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k5, yo, k1, yo, k5, sm, **p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. 62 sts Rnd 12: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k13, sm, **p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. Rnd 13: *p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SKP, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, SK2P, sm, **p1, ssk-pssf-sl1, yo, k1, yo, SK2P; rep from ** to EOR. 50 sts Rnd 14: *p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, yo, k11, yo, k1 sm, **p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from ** to EOR. 64 sts Rnd 15: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k7, yo, k1, yo, k7, sm, **p1, k7; rep from ** to EOR. 66 sts Rnd 16: *p1, k7; rep from * to marker, rm, p1, k7, pm, k2, pm, k8, rm, (p1, k7; rep from * to EOR.

Rnd 10: *p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1 sm, **p1, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1; rep from ** to EOR. 60 sts CH AR T

pm pm

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 KEY No stitch

yo

SK2P

k

k2tog

ssk-pssf-sl1

p

SKP

No stitch

12 | Fe atu re d K nit Patter n

Fe at ure d K ni t Pa t ter n | 13

F E AT U R E D C R O C H E T PAT T E R N

Dotty Cowl designed by Elena Fedotova PAT TERN I NFORM ATI ON SIZ ES

HOOK S

One size

US E/ 3.5 mm

F IN IS H E D M E AS U R E M E N T S

NOT IONS

Height: 12½″ / 32cm

Tapestry needle

Width: 14½″ / 37cm

Two stitch markers

Circumference: 29″ / 74 cm

G AUG E

YA RN AM O U N T S

7 V-sts and 11 rnds = 4″ / 10cm in pattern

Main Color (MC): 1 skein Malabrigo Sock, #722 Fortaleza Contrast Color (CC): 1 skein Malabrigo Sock, #131 Sand Bank

ABBREVI ATI ONS ″

inches

M

marker

sc

single crochet

cm

centimeter(s)

MC

main color

sk

skip

CC

contrasting color

patt

pattern

sl st slip stitch

ch

chain

PM

place marker

sp

dc

double crochet

rep

repeat

st(s) stitches

FLO front loop only

rnd

round

space

Fe a t ure d C ro c he t Pa t ter n | 15

N OTES This cowl is worked in the round and uses a reversible double-layer stitch pattern which results in a two-inone piece for your accessory collection. The stitches are worked into two lower rounds at the same time, making it fun and interesting to work up.

S P ECIAL S TIT C HES V-st: [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] in same ch.

Spike V-st (SpV-st): V-st in ch-1 sp of different-colored V-st two rnds below and, at the same time, in the same-colored sp one rnd below that is between two dc and directly behind the ch-1 sp being worked into.

Beginning Spike V-st (Beg-SpV-st): Ch 4, dc placed as regular Spike V-st, using first ch-1 sp and between ch-3 and next dc.

16 | Fe a tu re d C rochet Patter n

C HAR T

D I RECTIO N S With CC, chain 150, join with sl st to work in the round.

E DG ING

Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1 here and throughout), 1 dc in first ch, *sk 2 chs, V-st in next ch, rep from * to last 2 chs, join with sl st in third ch of starting ch-4. Remove hook from loop, PM in loop. Do not turn. 50 V-sts.

Use MC, CC, or both, as preferred, for edging.

Rnd 2: Join MC in last base ch. Working in front of CC sts (leaving them behind your work), rep Rnd 1. Turn. 50 V-sts.

Rnd 1: With either side facing, ch 1, *1 sc in next sp, 2 sc in next sp, rep from * around, join with sl st in first sc.

Turn. 150 sc

Rnd 3 (CC side facing): Continue with MC, Beg-SpV-st, SpV-st around, join with sl st in third ch of starting ch-4.

PM in loop. Do not turn.

Rnd 2: 1 sl st in FLO of each st around, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Rnd 4 (CC side facing): With CC, remove M. Working in front of MC sts, rep Rnd 3. Turn.

Bottom Edge

Top Edge

Work each sc in two previous rows, as SpV-sts have been worked throughout.

Rnd 5 (MC side facing): Continue with CC, Beg-SpV-st, SpV-st around, join with sl st in third ch of starting ch-4.

PM in loop. Do not turn.

Rnd 1: With same side facing as first rnd of top edge, join yarn to underside of any base ch, 1 sc in same st as join and each remaining base ch around, join with sl st in first sc. Turn. 150 sc.

Rnd 6 (MC side facing): With MC, remove M. Working in front of CC sts, rep Rnd 3.

Rnd 2: 1 sl st in FLO of each st around, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Rep Rnds 3-6 another 16 times for a total of 35 V-st rnds in each color. Do not cut yarn, proceed to Edging.

FINIS HING

Weave in ends and block.

Fe a t ure d C ro c he t Pa t ter n | 17

THE

COLLECTION

MALABRIGO BOOK 16

VERANO Knitters are always asking us for another light yarn for use in summer, and we have risen to the challenge. We have finally given in to the impulse to start dyeing plant fibers! This was no small endeavor, since the dyeing process for plant-based fibers— cotton, flax and linen—is vastly different than that of animal-based fibers like merino, alpaca and silk. Since we want all of our yarns to have the classic bright, intense “malabrigo style,” we had to make a lot of little tweaks along the way.

We hope you love the way the new colors turned out as much as you love our original colors. A lot of care has gone into the making of this yarn and the designing of the beautiful patterns we present here. We hope you enjoy knitting up this light, noble fiber, and that it helps get you ready for summer. b o o k sp o t l i gh t | 19

INTRODUCING

Ve ra n o When deciding to add a new plant-based yarn to our offerings 100% Pima Cotton was the obvious choice. Its softness, strength, and shine are perfect for both warmer weather and those in between times where you just need a little something. Plus, this new yarn was a fun puzzle for us to figure out. Different fiber means different techniques and different dyes, but we had to achieve the same bright, intense malabrigo style colors you expect from us. Knitting year round with malabrigo just got a little bit cooler.

Weight:

Worsted/ DK

Texture:

Yardage/meters:

205yds (185mm)

Skein weight: 3.53 oz (100 grams)

Gauge:

18 - 22 sts = 4″/10 cm

Needle size:

US 5 - 6 (3.75 - 4mm)

Content:

100% Pima Cotton

Cares:

Hand Wash, cold water

20 | Our Ne w Yar n: Veran o

Plied

Fireworks

Hibiscus

Impatient Pink

Summertime

Sunspot

Mandarin

Lemon Wedge

Lime

Festival Green

Arugula

Green Bay

Winsome

Glacier

Jay Blue

Phthalo Blue

Sailor Blue

Grapevine

Plum

Multifarious

Chocolate

Mud

Macchiato

Biscuit

Natural

Serena

Alpaca Metal

Tradewind

Rain

Landscape

Cyberspace

Black

White

Our Ne w Yar n: Ve r a n o | 21

F R E E K N I T PAT T E R N

Margarita designed by the malabrigo team P A T TER N INFORM ATI ON SI Z ES

NE E DL E S

One Size

US 7 / 4.5mm 32″ / 80cm circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge

F I N I SH ED MEA SUR E M E N T S NOT IONS

Width: 20″ / 50.5cm

Tapestry needle

Length: 51″ / 130cm

G AUG E

18 sts / 32 rows = 4″ / 10cm in garter stitch YARN A M O U N T S

Gauge is not crucial. However, changes might result in a different yardage requirement.

3 skeins Malabrigo Verano in #926 Plum, #946 Winsome, #938 Rain

A B B R EVIATIO NS ″

inches

k

knit

sm

slip marker

BO

bind off

k2tog

SSK

slip, slip, knit

cm

centimeter(s)

knit two stitches together

mm

st(s)

stitch(es)

millimeter(s)

pm

WS

wrong side

place marker

RS

yo

yarn over

right side

CO inc

cast on increase

22 | Free K nit Patter n

Fe at ure d K ni t Pa t ter n | 23

24 | Free K nit Patte r n

D I RECTIO N S

Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges)

GA RT ER T A B

Color A – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

With color A, CO 3 sts.

Color B – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Knit 7 rows. Do not turn at the end of last row

Color C – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Rotate piece 90 degrees to the right, pick up and knit 3 sts alongside edge (1 st from every purl ridge), rotate piece 90 degrees to the right, then pick up and knit 3 sts along CO edge. (9 sts)

Color B – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Set-up row (WS): k4, pm, k to end.

Color C – 6 rows (3 garter ridges)

Repeat the following two rows all along the shawl:

Color B – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, yo, k to last 3 st, yo, k3. (4 inc)

Color C – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Row 2 (WS): k to end.

Repeat the two rows using the colors A and B in the following way.

Color C – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color B – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

You should have 257 sts.

BOR DE R

All of this section is knitted in color C.

In all tripe sections, you can carry the yarns alongside the edge, so you don´t need to cut for each color change.

Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, k2, (yo, ssk, k6) 15 times, yo, ssk, k1, yo, k1, sm, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, (k6, k2tog, yo) 15 times, k2, yo, k3.

You must twist the two yarns together at each row, at the second stitch, for a neat edge.

Row 2 and all even rows (WS): k to end.

Color A – 30 rows (15 garter ridges) Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 8 rows (4 garter ridges) Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 8 rows (4 garter ridges) Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 6 rows (3 garter ridges) Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 6 rows (3 garter ridges)

Rows 3 and 5 (RS): k3, yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, yo, k to last 3 sts, yo, k3.

Row 7 (RS): k3, yo, k5, (k4, yo, ssk, k2) 15 times, k6, yo, k1, sm, yo, k6, (k2, k2tog, yo, k4), k5, yo, k3.

Row 9 and 11 (RS): k3, yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, yo, k to last 3 st, yo, k3.

Row 13 (RS): k3, yo, k8, (yo, ssk, k6) 15 times, yo, ssk, k7, yo, k1, sm, yo, k7, k2tog, yo, (k6, k2tog, yo) 15 times, k8, yo, k3.

Row 17 (RS): k3, yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, yo, k to last 3 sts, yo, k3.

Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges)

FINIS HING

Color A – 4 rows (2 garter ridges)

Picot BO row: CO 3 sts, BO 10 sts knitwise, *CO 3 sts, BO 8 sts knitwise* until 2 sts remain on left needle CO 3 sts, BO 5sts.

Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color B – 4 rows (2 garter ridges) Color A – 2 rows (1 garter ridge)

Fre e K ni t Pa t ter n | 25

26 | Be hind the S cen es

BEHIND THE SCENES

Meet Natalia In our ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature, we introduce you to Natalia, part of the team behind our colors. She works at the mill and is one of our best dyers. Every day, she turns undyed skeins into the beautiful yarn that you buy at your LYS. In the following interview she tells us about her experience at malabrigo.

How long have you worked for Malabrigo Yarn?

What is a typical day of work like for you?

Which of your tasks do you enjoy the most?

I started working here 13 years ago. At first I only worked on Saturdays, then I began working fifteen days on and fifteen days off. It wasn’t untill three years ago that I changed my routine and started working Monday to Friday every month.

Once I arrive I change into my uniform and go to my section.

There, I fill up the pots we later use for dyeing with hot water.

While the water gets to the right temperature I start tying up the amount of skein that are going to be dyed.

I really like to see how each of the new color tests turn out.

What are you tasks and responsiblilites?

I mainly work with the actual dyeing of the yarn. I begin by weighing out the powdered dyes in time to start the dyeing process but my main responsibility is to give color to the yarns.

The dye process is as follows: I reach a pH balance with the dyes in the hot water and then put in the yarn.

Which colours are in the most demand right now?

I work the most with colors like Sunset, Frank Ochre, Aniversario, and many more… ...and which yarns are in the most demand?

Right now I’m seeing a lot of Washted, Caracol, and Rasta.

Washted because it’s new and the thicker yarns are in fashion due to winter I imagine. (continue)

Be hi nd t he S c en es | 27

Which is your favourite Malabrigo yarn and colourway?

My favorite color is Whale’s Road and the yarn I like most is the new Washted.

Do you knit?

I do not, no. Although I love the colors and feel of the yarn I have never been very interested in knitting.

And finally, do you know any funny anecdotes about your time with Malabrigo Yarn?

Before we had the large drying rooms we used to hang the skeins to dry in the Uruguayan sun outside on the terrace. I remember having to rush outside to catch a rogue skein trying to fly away or when the weather took a bad turn and we’d have to bring them all inside before the rain got to them!

~

28 | Be hind the S cen es

Be hi nd t he S c en es | 29

30 | Th e Col ors of M alabr igo

THE COLORS OF MALABRIGO

WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME? Some of the names we use here at Malabrigo can be a little confusing or hard to pronounce, but don’t worry it’s not just you. Many of the names we use are Spanish or are in reference to something obscure that most of us here aren’t even aware of. More often than not, you’re probably too busy pausing, stuttering, or stumbling over one of our names than having the time to ponder what they mean. This section will explore the means of and reasons why our colours have the names they do, in the hope that understanding a little more about our yarns can provide an alternative way of looking at each of the colours.

As we have a lot of colors across our several yarns it would be impossible to describe and define every yarn in a single edition so we’ve decided to separate it into a number of sections divided by themes. We’re going to start off with a bit of cloud-watching and star-gazing, so you won’t have to bring your sunglasses or telescope next time you cast on.

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MARTE

C I R R U S G R AY

Spanish word for Mars, named again after the Roman God for war. This variegated colorway is inspired by Earth’s twin, the Red Planet. Marte has several colors you would imagine finding on the surface of the planet, as well as others that may be there in the not too distant future... There are glints of crimsons and lighter reds that flit through darker browns and purples to hints of bright blues.

Cirrus is a type of cloud formation characterised by soft wisps, as if a paint brush has flicked the cloud across the sky. Likewise, this variegated colorway has wisps of grays and whites over a slight blue. Cirrus Gray sifts gently through darker and lighter shades just as the cloud forms can take on various shades light at different weathers or times of day.

Available in: Sock, Rastita, Rios, Mechita, Finito, Arroyo

Available in: Caracol, Mechita, Rios, Sock, Washted

A R CO I R I S

N I M B U S G R AY

One of our most popular colorways that doesn’t need much introduction and you can probably guess what its name means. Arco Iris is Spanish for ‘Rainbow’ and you can see several colors transition through the spectrum in this variegated colorway, available on almost all of our yarns!

Nimbus is cloud formation made up of blubous masses that dominate the sky. These formations can vary in shape, size, and even color. In this variegated colorway there are sky blues peeking through between the cloudy whites and grays.

Available in: Washted, Silkpaca, Rios, Dos Tierras, Finito, Lace, Mecha, Mora, Mechita, Nube, Rasta, Rastita, Silky Merino, Sock

32 | Th e Col ors of M alabr igo

Available in: Rios

SFO SKY SFO Sky is a variegated colorway of predominantly two colors to gray and white. SFO is the name of San Francisco’s airport and their own colloquial term for the area. It oscillates from white to gray from one end of the skein to the other Available in: Worsted, Lace

CO S M O S

FOG AND NIEBLA

Cosmos is a solid, bright blue colorway named for the entire interstellar network that makes up all that we know. Cosmos was featured in Rasta’s TriBeCa colorway and we have recently launched TriBeCa in Rios.

The first name is self-explanatory. Both of this creamy colors are named for the clouds that hang and obscure your mist, like a cloud that hangs low in the morning in the pre-dawn hours. These colors are excellent palettes to add emphasis to other colors or interesting techniques, just like a mist or fog can add a mythical atmosphere to any environment.

Available in: Rasta, Rios

Available in: Fog - Rasta, Rios Niebla - Rios

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MOON TRIO The Moon Trio is a series of three separate, speckled colorways (Full, Crescent and New) that follow the monthly phases of the moon as it waxes and wanes. The Full Moon is naturally brighter, with white being the predominant color over the multi-colored speckles, New Moon being darkest, and Crescent being somewhere in between.

You can use each individually or all together and take your next project on a whole lunar cycle! The Moon Trio, like many other speckled colorways, are exclusively on Mechita.

Available in: Mechita

JUPITER

C I E LO Y T I E R R A

This variegated colorway was inspired by the largest planet in our solar system, the gaseous giant Jupiter.

Each of its reds, pinks, and purples represent a swirling cloud on the surface of this distant world.

This name means ‘Sky and Earth’, reflected directed in this variegated colorway with the sky blues that abruptly shift into earthy browns across several horizons. It depicts the lovely interplay and duality of the Sky and Earth as it shifts with ease from one wholesome color to the next.

Available in: Arroyo, Finito, Mecha, Mechita, Rios, Rastita, Silky Merino

Available in: Rios, Mechita

34 | Th e Col ors of M alabr igo

Bonaire, Mesh Poncho in malabrigo Verano Book 16

The Co l o r s o f M al a b r i go | 35

Upcoming EVENTS

S T I TC H E S S A LT L A K E

B A R C E LO N A K N I T S

October 2 - 5, 2019

November 16 - 17, 2019

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Barcelona, Spain

www.knittinguniverse.com/SaltLake2019

https://barcelonaknits.com

Bring the malabrigo trunk shows to your shop!

Did you know that we have trunk shows packed with gorgeous garments from our books available to your shop?

We currently have four shows touring the country: there are three large shows that feature pieces from our most recent books, alongside select classics from earlier books. There is also a mini-trunk show, a smaller version of the larger shows, to give your customers a tantalizing taste of malabrigo! We’d love to make your LYS our next stop. If you’re interested in scheduling a show, please email us at admin@malabrigoyarn.com.

36 | Upcoming Eve nts

Up c o mi ng Even t s | 37

Montserrat, Sawtooth Blanket in malabrigo Verano Book 16

38 | Conne c t w ith Us

Co n ne c t With Us facebook.com/malabrigoyarn

instagram.com/malabrigoyarn

pinterest.com/malabrigo

ravelry.com/yarns/brands/malabrigo-yarn

twitter.com/MalabrigoYarn

admin@malabrigoyarn.com

Co nne c t Wi t h U s | 39

Tobago, Mesh Shawl in malabrigo Verano Book 16

www.malabrigoyarn.com