Mim Bird has been knitting since she was 7 and teaching since she was 9. So it’s no surprise that she grew up to own her own LYS, Over the Rainbow Yarn in Rockland, Maine.
Mim and her staff often produce patterns for the shop, particularly for their 12 Weeks of Christmas event. Table Top Tree was designed for week 2 of the series using Berroco Lustra. The festive project starts with an I-cord that you pick up and knit stitches across before joining in the round. The pattern uses a series of purls, twisted stitches and decreases to create a beautiful, swirl pattern. It’s a quick knit that would make a lovely decoration or last-minute gift!
How did you come up with this design?
To tell you the truth, I am not always sure how design ideas come to me. I’m usually brainstorming with someone else and a small thing sparks something bigger and before I know it, I have a full-blown idea.
Did you make it for anyone in particular?
At OTR, we offer a series of projects we call The 12 Weeks Of Christmas. Starting in early October, we present an original design each Saturday. The designs have to fit three criteria:
- They have to be $25 or less
- They have to be good for gift giving for a variety of ages, genders, tastes, etc.
- If you are moderately diligent, you can finish them in a week.
How did you choose the yarn?
We liked Lustra for it’s subtle sheen and silky reflectiveness. We thought it would be pretty in a sophisticated way rather than over the top kitschy or country cottage primitive. We’re very happy with the result.
What’s your favorite project you’ve ever made? Why?
The one I’m working on…until I get tired of it. Then it’s the next one. Seriously, though, I live in a nearly constant state of start-itis and I’m a process knitter with an addiction to modification. I am currently working on a collection of sweater designs with some really challenging technical issues and I’m having a ball.
Do you have a cool design you want to share? Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn? You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.