Kelbourne Woolens 'Mojave' Trunk Show

Our first trunk show of 2025 has landed! And it's an absolute beauty. We will only have this show through the first week of March, so we really hope that you can make it in to check out these gorgeous samples in person, but if that's not in the cards please enjoy this virtual trunk show from the comfort of your own home!

We'll dive into a closer look at each of the patterns we have on display, and then talk a little bit about the specific characteristics of linen and cotton, and address the age-old question head on: To seam or not to seam.

Mojave by Kelbourne Woolens is a 60/40 cotton/linen blend. In the hand it feels quite light, cool and smooth to the touch, with just a hint of that rustic-ness that is characteristic of linen.

Here's what the folks over at Kelbourne have to say about it:

Our love of cellulose-based fibers led to the development of Mojave. A versatile sport to DK weight yarn consisting of five sets of very fine 2-plys, Mojave is lightweight, strong, and smooth with great stitch definition. This pima cotton and linen blend is as pleasant to knit with as it is to wear, and, as a bonus, it can be machine-washed!

We love everything about this yarn from its feel to its wearability, and we haven't even talked about its array of absolutely delightful colors yet! Your eye may have been caught first by those brash brights, but looks closer and you'll also see a sophisticated palette of neutrals as well.

And now: On to the Patterns!

Remember: If you fall in love with a garment or accessory we have out on display as a sample, the pattern will be our gift to you when you purchase the yarn to make it! More incentive to hurry in to see the trunk show while it's still on display.

Please note: all photos not obviously taken at the Sow's Ear - the garments pictured on models - belong to Kelbourne Woolens.

And there's so much more to love...

Browse the Pattern Ideas or Project tabs on Ravelry to see what your fellow crafters are doing with Mojave, and check out the Mojave Collection of patterns written specifically for this yarn. We really like the look of their crochet patterns, especially the Canyon Tank Top and the Palm Shawl. There's even a pattern for a wall hanging!

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Live, Love, Linen

Friends, knitters, crocheters, crafters all: linen is awesome.

Want me to count the ways? I'll be happy to!

Linen is a very strong fiber. You're not going to see any breaking or pilling here. Well cared for, linen fabric will last for decades or longer.

Linen is made from the flax plant, and flax itself is very versatile; every part of the plant can be used. While the process to extract the fibers that become linen is labor-intensive (hence linen's often higher price tag), flax itself is a resilient, low-needs plant that can grow in marginal soil using much less water than cotton.

Linen is moisture-wicking and quick-drying! Woo hoo! What more do you want for a summer yarn? Well, there's another bonus: linen is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This is why linen towels and dishclothes are such a great idea!

And like all linen garments or home goods, your finished objects will continue to get softer with wear and washing, for an ongoing and evolving relationship with your handmade item.

So what's all this about seaming...?

You may notice that patterns written specifically for linen or cotton yarns tend towards knitting the garment in pieces and then seaming up the sides or on the shoulders, rather than knitting in one piece in the round, even for garments where it seems like that would be the easier route to go, as in the case of a simple tank top.

And you're right; from a construction standpoint it often would be easier to make in one piece. However, from the viewpoint of having an attractive finished product that will stand the test of time, wear, and washing, those seams are a big bonus, and absolutely worth it.

You might say that seams are there to literally pull their own weight. Every seam in a garment is a line of defense against knitted fabric's natural tendency to stretch, sag, and bias. You can think of seams as the framework that holds your tank, tee, or sweater in the shape it's supposed to be.

Wool and wool blends tend to do all right without seams; that's because wool is naturally elastic and wants to bounce back into shape. Linen and cotton, however? They're not known for their long memory: they like to look forward!

Linen's drape and swing is one of its most attractive qualities, one that these patterns really capitalize on. So if seaming a garment is new to you, this is a great opportunity for you to stretch yourself and add another tool to your crafting tool box. Struggle with seaming? You can always book a private lesson with one of our teachers! Just email AJ, our class and teacher coordinator: AJMiller@knitandsip.com