piper dreams
We can't get enough of talking about our beloved yarns. Year after year, we take great pleasure in finding a minute (or several) to appreciate all that the wonderful designers we work with who have offered up for each of our birds, big and small.
Today, in anticipation of a new crop of Piper colors (stay tuned and make sure you're signed up to receive our email updates!), we're looking back at some of our favorite designs in our wispy mohair and merino lace weight beauty. We look at enormous shawls, irresistible sweaters, and one of our most popular shades.
Here's to wrapping yourself up in a luxurious, soft fabric that started with just a single tiny loop made by your very own hands!
ample wraps
Ernestine, shown here in Lone Oak, was designed for us by Megan MacDonald for our Scarves, etc 6 collection in February 2017. This cozy shawl is worked in the round from the center out to form a large square. Classic handkerchief motifs are translated into eyelets and lace with a wide garter border.
Leila Raven's Shelley wrap from Piper 2018, published in February 2018, is an extra-long wrap with openings at each end for arms to go through. Shown in Austin, this piece is worked from the center out, with a simple rib going in two different directions.
For our Spice collection, published in Fall 2017, Michele Wang offered up Masala, a gigantic circle shawl with alternating bands of twisted rib and stockinette (shown in Austin). This shawl is light and warm.
left to right: Ernestine by Megan MacDonald, Shelley by Leila Raven, Masala by Michele Wang
sweet raglans
Octavia, Leila Raven's top-down raglan from Piper 2018, is so pretty in Laredo. Published in February 2018, this piece features a simple slip-stitch eyelet motif at the hem and cuffs, three-quarter length sleeves, and wide neck.
Pam Allen's March pullover, published in February 2016 as part of that year's Piper 2016 collection, is worked in pieces from the bottom up, then joined to work the yoke in the round. The stripe and lace detail at the hem and cuffs gives us the chance to play with color, which…who doesn't love that? Shown here in Abilene (MC), with bits of Rock Springs, Longhorn, and Amarillo.
Kristen TenDyke designed for us a sweet and subtle top-down raglan, Floret, which we published at the tail end of 2015. Wide raglan panels and a floral detail in the yoke give way to a simple stockinette body and sleeves, with garter hem and cuffs. Shown here in Avocet.
left to right: Octavia by Leila Raven, March by Pam Allen, Floret by Kristen TenDyke
color study: Abilene
Abilene rivals Lone Oak and Avocet in popularity among Piper colors picked for designs: There's neutrality, yet the shade has the ability to look different depending on the styling.
Dar, Bristol Ivy's light, open cardi published in September 2015, shows us what happens when you work Piper in Fisherman's rib on large (for a lace weight yarn) needles, heavily block it and wear it sideways. We love the results.
Elizabeth Smith's sweet, sleeveless Ellison cardi showcases Piper in garter, garter, and more garter (there are some yarnover short rows in there too). We published this piece in February 2018 as part of the Piper collection for that year.
For Scarves, etc 5, Lesley Anne Robinson designed Paperless, a wide wrap with a faux cable rib motif to balance the pretty lace. This piece was published in January 2016.
left to right: Dar by Bristol Ivy, Ellison by Elizabeth Smith, Paperless by Lesley Anne Robinson
If you're wondering what other amazing things Piper can be worked up as...go here.