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My, oh my… I’ve been holding back from making any announcement, because it’s almost too good to be true: I am employed. Even better, it’s a dream job. I am currently working part time for CNS Yarns (those who bring you the Mission Falls yarn line) in research and development of their handknitting products. What could be better? Not much really, except more design, which I am confident I will get plenty of in my spare time. I am really enjoying the experience thus far, and am truly, honestly, astonished at how lucky I am to have this opportunity. Thank you to all of you out there who helped me get to this stage (you know who you are, and if you’re doubtful, you are probably included in my gratitude, don’t be bashful!)

So, Mission Falls currently produces three yarns: 1824 Wool, 1824 Cotton and 136 Wool. The ‘1824′ refers to the gauge of 18 sts by 24 rows. The 136 is the yardage of the other yarn weight, straddling the Sport/DK weight. None of the colours has ever been discontinued, and both lines have distinctive palettes. The 136 calls to me from the corners of the office, and at one of my last trips to Ariadne, my ridiculous addiction to Koigu (I have no less than 30 skeins of the stuff stashed around here), I picked up two of the new arrivals, and two of the previous shipments (one i have been coveting, and another i enjoyed knitting so much, I have to do it again).

One of the best things about Koigu is the multitude of colours and depth per skein. None of those skeins ever falls flat. There are the speckled ones (a personal favorite) that give me a sense of texture, there are the tonal colourways with their inherent depth, there are the melanges with flashes of something unexpected here and there. Koigu is the perfect companion to 136 as the weights are compatible and there is always a complimentary solid amongst the solid pantheon of Mission Falls. Plus, since it’s superwash, and I have yet to experience shrinking of Koigu in the wash (not the dryer mind you), it makes for an easy care garment.

I’ve already picked the 136 colours to match the Koigu I just picked up. Here it goes, from left to right:

• The muted purple with light speckles goes with Ink, a strong navy that will make some sophisticated little garment
• The blue and copper goes with Oatmeal or Russet depending on the season I choose to knit the garment for (summer or winter roughly)
• The lovely intense blues and purples go with Mallow, a much perkier colour that will make a bright statement in stripes I think
• The neutral browns/mauves with flashes of white and forest green will go with Damson, highlighting the colours from the subtle ‘muddiness’

I’m so excited I can’t stand it. Oh wait, yes, I can. Have I mentioned I love colours?

Tags: career, design, knit