alana zimmer by txema yeste for marie claire

:: murasaki ::

Murasaki (jap.) means purple, violet.

This pullover has a long story, back in 2007 Neighborhood Fiber Co has asked me to create a design that would showcase their hand-dyed yarns beautifully for their first show at TNNA in January 2008. This pullover was a hit, only my life turned into a whirlwind and I've had hard time first locating my notes, then finally finding time for this luxurious pullover to be published. Today it is finally seeing the light of day! It has lots of people involved into its making - from yarn supplier to a person who lent her "speedy Gonzales" knitting skills to finish it in time for TNNA to tech editor to verify the pattern to the photographer who took photos and processed the graphic design as well. 5 people to make this available to you. Sometimes we don't think what goes into making of a design and then into a pattern, how much of resources, planning, labor and commitment not only of one person, but several. And all I wish for you to knit this and enjoy the process starting from your fiber choice and to final result of wearing the pullover and loving the design.



Luxurious yarns that it's worked with are from an indie dyer, Neighborhood Fiber Co "Penthouse Spun Silk" and "Loft", one is 100% silk and another is silk and mohair blend. Putting those two together against each other created a cool juxtaposition even though dyed in same colorway. Fibers tend to take up dye differently, so this is exactly what makes the stripes even more prominent.

I've chosen the option to have detachable sleeves just for one reason, I wish for some sweaters I could wear when it is springy weather outside, losing the sleeves helps, but in a case of weather going cooler - pull the sleeves back up again. This creates balance, silk as a fiber can be warm and cool, while silk mohair stripes are knit on bigger needle to its weight, so becoming rather breezy, again all about balance.



Seamless, entirely worked in a round, weaving in stripes' ends as you go. And don't forget about the sleeves, stand alone they are trendy silky armwarmers, that can dress up an evening dress or a short sleeved jacket - perfect accessory!



The pattern ranges across 16 sizes starting from bust size 28" to 58". It contains written instructions and stitch count updates throughout entire pattern. Instructions include a chart to help you keep track of striping according to each size.

For more information vision this pattern's page Murasaki Pullover

Happy Knitting!

USD 7.50

Infinite is limitless..

So everything you plan is going in zig zags back and forth, sometimes I wish I really had a chance to be one-project-at a time knitter/designer, yet I can't. I have that eery feeling that if I don't at least swatch and document that design in my sketchbook, that idea would float away. But this way I can revisit it and get working through it once time permits. Wonders of a designer brain!!!

Summer in Japan has indeed been very eventful in that department, this country is so amazing, I admit I've never had such creative forces surrounding me. It's in every single thing, from a manhole cover in a very intricate pattern crazy enough to stop a photo of it and to bizarre customs and dress codes.

This past June while it was a rainy season in Japan I've got to travel back to the States for TNNA and honestly it was lots of work and fun at the same time... More on that later, on how many wonderful designer friends I've got to see and meet as well as yarn shop owners who are thrilled as I am about our book Ori Ami Knits:Fiber Geometry! So excited, that we actually sold out and now we are on our second edition folks!!! And pre-orders are up again!! This makes me incredibly happy, that people of the industry and knitters found the designs and contents to their taste! We couldn't have done it without you, I know we couldn't have!! So Thank You for your support!!!

Amidst travel I have been working on lots more new patterns, but this wonderful weather of 90-100F has been a big distraction recently. As we live relatively close to the beach now...trying to enjoy some of those hot days there.

Today I am going to share with you a new design I have introduced at TNNA called Infinite Loop. I am particularly excited about this one as it got tremendous response and it's something I've always wanted to have in my wardrobe. It can be worn in over 15 (!!!) ways. It's lightweight enough to carry around in a purse and has no season to it! Moreover this garment is set to launch my wholesale line of patterns. Means that if you are a yarn shop and would like to carry Olgajazzy patterns, you now can! Just contact me.

It's knit using light fingering or heavy laceweight yarn, in my case I've used Habu Textiles N-35A, which is 100% rayon with viscose sizing but only comes in 2 colors for time being, insane in yardage, very affordable and possibly a perfect marriage for this design and yarn. It comes in a skein and feels very wire-y and crisp, but wait till you soak it in water and let is dry, it has features of bamboo silky drape but yet still holding that crisp structure.

But if you would like to use your stash this yarn would be easy to substitute because of the ginormous lace yarn market we have, if it would be for another Habu Textiles yarn it can be A-174 Cotton Gima, but out of other generic yarns how about my new personal favorite Madelinetosh Prairie. I must say I've been replying some folks on Ravelry considering their yarn choice for this, so please if you need help or advice, please don't hesitate to email me to PM or leave a comment, I would love to assist you if I can!

The pattern I've written to accomodate 16 sizes ranging from 28-58" bust sizes.

Needle size: US 3 (3.25 mm)

Gauge: 24 sts and 36 rows in 4" over Stockinette Stitch

Yardage required: 2280-4560 yds

Pattern price: USD $10

[A little note here, some were asking why the price is so high for this, but I have a simple reply. When you have a piece of clothing you can wear so many possible ways - this is a bargain. If you buy a single pattern, it can only be worn the way it was meant to be. Even if out of 15+ ways to wear Infinite loop you only like 2-3 ways, you still win!]

All possible pictures won't fit into any blog post. So for that reason pattern pdf has variations documented on a dress form. Please check the styling video below how many ways this garment can be worn. Funny thing is, since I've made this video, I've found at least another 2 ways! SO please experiment!!

Now onto more pattern writing and knitting! Mata-ne!

it feels like eternity...

Past 3 months have been so busy, I was afraid I won't have enough to show you here. But I do, tons and plentiful, amongst travels between seas and cities, time zones and climates... I have it all coming to you tomorrow.. get excited!

The image expresses exactly how I felt..tied up by yarns connected to projects, things and lists what to do.. but in a positive way, imagine this as if my thinking face..

I have found this amazing photographer.

And most breathtaking one below..



All copyrights to these images belong to the photographer, I do not own anything. http://oprisco.com/