Ori Ami Knits by Olga Buraya-Kefelian & Vanessa Yap-Einbund is a collection of knit patterns using Habu Textiles exclusively. Habu is a weaving studio and textile shop in New York City that sells imported Japanese and Asian yarns. The materials are amazing and range from stainless steel to paper. I’ve only seen a small selection of their textiles, at Rose Haven Farm Store, and was blown away by the possibilities.

Rhombus Wrap by Kirsten Johnstone (Ori Ami Knits, 2010)

Chapter One of the digital book came out last week and let’s just say I can hardly wait to see the other three! Each of the chapters represents a particular theme, with the first being Practical Geometry. The first four patterns are: Cubed Necklace, Axonometric Top and Trapezium Pullover by Olga Buraya-Kefelian; and Rhombus Wrap by Kirsten Johnstone. The Rhombus Wrap pictured above is one of my favourites; I love the handpainted cotton and versatility of the garment.

Cubed Necklace by Olga Buraya-Kefelian (Ori Ami Knits, 2010)

Olga and Vanessa have put together a truly beautiful collection – the textures and drape of the finished pieces highlight what makes Habu so special.

Ori Ami Knits on Ravelry (login required)

This is the project that will accompany me on the five-hour flight from Toronto to Vancouver tomorrow evening. Paper Crane. Just the thing for a confined space and an extended knit session. Tiny stitches on tiny circular needles. And 20 cm of stockinette stitch to go on the body!

Two skeins of Habu Linen XS-21 just waiting for me to start on Kirsten Johnstone’s Paper Crane cardigan pattern. The perfect summer cardigan, or autumn or spring . . . I’m hoping to start swatching sooner rather than later. This grey is the fibre’s natural colour – so lovely and weathered. Linda of Rose Haven Farm Store ordered it for me. This could be the beginning of a dangerous Habu habit.

This yarn bowl was a gift from Katherine – an Etsy find from the Deep South. I love it! The perfect thing to keep this linen in check. You just feed the yarn through the guide and away you go.

And a very happy 33rd birthday to my knitting partner for life! I only wish I could be in Boise to help celebrate!

It turned out Saturday made a fine day for a road trip to Picton, ON. Prince Edward County is beautiful and farm-filled, and snowy this time of year.

We paid a visit to Rose Haven Farm Store – a really great shop with an interesting selection of yarn and fleece. The owner, Linda Swaine, gave us a tour of the local fibre she carries, including Sabin’s Farm llama yarn (unbelievably soft – pictured below) and Paula Lishman’s beaver yarn (not for me).

As the beaver might lead you to believe, Linda has a huge selection of fibre types. Qiviut, nettle, pineapple, silk stainless steel…

I couldn’t resist picking up a kit from Habu Textiles. Rose Haven is one of the three shops in Canada that carries Habu, and that was all the excuse I needed! I was torn between kntting with stainless steel for the first time and a beautiful angora and cotton felt pullover. I’ll just have to go back for the stainless steel!