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)

The Looped Loop by Kirsten Johnstone is a simple, sculptural variation on the cowl. It’s knit in a ribbed stitch pattern and grafted together at the end with a full twist to the fabric.  So it’s technically not a Möbius but a loop upon loop when worn. The pattern is available as a free download on Ravelry (membership required). I used Rowan RYC Cashsoft so it is very soft indeed.

[Ravelled]

Last week’s post got me to thinking about more stash-busting projects. Patterns that would make great holiday knitting with the added bonus of using up small amounts of yarn. I took a trip through ravelry and came back with these great patterns.  Some of them old favourites, some of them new (at least to me!):

Fetching (L, courtesy of Knitty) and Emerald Fingerless Mittens

Fingerless Mitts

CanCans by Erica Lomax

Upp by Védís Jónsdóttir (from Einband, available from Schoolhouse Press)

Fetching and Dashing by Cheryl Niamath

Purl Beret (L, courtesy of the purl bee) and #24 Lace Beret (courtesy of Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2009)

Hats

#24 Lace Beret by Kate Gagnon Osborn

Purl Beret by The Purl Bee

Ripley by Ysolda Teague

Herringbone Cowl (courtesy of Lauren Osborne, Hungry Knitter)

Cowls

Herringbone Cowl by Lauren Osborne

sev[en]circle by Kirsten Johnstone (free ravelry download, login required)

Cabled Cowl by by Olga Buraya-Kefelian

mara (courtesy of madelinetosh)

Shawls and Other Shoulder Warmers

DROPS 108-53 by DROPS design

shadow[]box by Alison Brookbanks

mara by Madelinetosh

Otto (actually, I like to call her Churchill)

Toys

Otto by Ysolda Teague (or any of Ysolda’s toy patterns, really)

Pile-able Pups by Anna Hrachovec

Rotary Dial Telephone by Katie Park

My bear knit for the Mother Bear Project

Charity Knitting

Good for stash-busting anytime of year, but especially now in colder climates like mine…

afghans for Afghans sends handknit and crocheted blankets, sweaters, vests, hats, mittens and socks to the people of Afghanistan.

Blankets for Canada creates blankets for Canadians in need.

Mother Bear Project sends handknit or crocheted bears to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

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!