MFPP: Umbria Collection
Just in time for spring, we have a lovely MFPP Collection from Elise Ljiko to share with you!
This collection has the perfect accessories for the transitioning weather- two shawls, one ear warmer and a pair of fingerless mitts, there is definitely something for every knitter in this collection. Elise was inspired by the different towns, art and architecture in the Umbria region of Italy. In addition to the patterns themselves, Elise has made instructional videos demonstrating many of the stitches used in the patterns. This sweet collection features Dos Tierras, Arroyo and Caprino, and all three years can be substituted easily through all 4 patterns.
We had the chance to chat with Elise about her collection and I cannot wait to share more about these new designs with you all.
1: What is your favorite part of your collection and why?
The Umbria Collection was a joy to create from start to finish so it is hard to narrow it down to just one part. As much as I enjoyed the knitting of each piece and seeing the patterns take shape, I think planning a cohesive collection for the first time was an exciting and challenging adventure. I loved choosing the theme, reliving my experiences in Umbria, and then trying to translate that into patterns to take the maker on a journey with me.
2: What should knitters pay attention to when working these patterns? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?
I love including new stitches or techniques into my designs in the hopes that the maker will learn something new. It can be intimidating to try a new task, so I try to include written instructions and/or a link to one of my video tutorials to make the process easy for all. I would say, make sure to check out the videos and read all the notes carefully to help make the knit accessory more enjoyable and easier to complete.
3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about these projects?
There is something in this collection for everyone whether you enjoy texture, cable work, or color work. I hope that these patterns bring a sense of calm and peaceful rhythm that I felt creating each one and with that, a little piece of the Umbrian region of Italy. I think the maker will delight in learning a new stitch or technique and have a real sense of accomplishment and joy completing each pattern.
4: What does your design process look like?
Sometimes my ideas are sparked by a specific yarn, a color, or a place but usually it ties back into my Italian heritage and things I have experienced in Italy. Once I have my inspiration, I hit the ground running and choose a yarn. From there I plan out the basic outline of my pattern by drawing and swatching as many times as needed before I cast on. I write my patterns up mostly as I create the piece using google docs so my notes are accessible from anywhere.
5: What impact does the color of this project have on you? Did you make design choices based on the color way names?
The colors that Malabrigo has in their collection are all so stunning that it was hard to narrow it down to just a few! I spent a long time combing through each colorway to find just the right fit for my patterns. Since each knit was inspired by a piece of art or architecture, I tried to choose the colorway that best represented the inspiration while also making a cohesive collection of colors. The end result was various shades of stone tones drawn from the structures of the medieval hilltop towns and a pop of color for the Deruta Shawl inspired by their colorful, handmade ceramics.
6: What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?
Glitter, but working with Coffee Toffee has definitely put it up there as a contender for my favorite.
7: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?
Designing isn’t my full-time job, but it has definitely stolen my heart. I feel like I have finally found that part of my life where I can really let me creativity show. I hope to inspire others with patterns that I have put my heart into and teach them something new along the way.
Thanks so much for this delightful collection, Elise!
If you haven’t had a chance to check out her other designs yet, make sure you take the time to check them out. She comes from a long line of knitters, sewers, and crocheters, so she grew up watching the magical process of creation out of simple yarn and fabric into clothing, toys, and art. Frosia Knits -- Frosia stemming from her Italian great-grandmother -- grew out of her love for knitting, her ancestry, and her life in Italy. While living in Siena, she fell in love with the people, culture, and how the country awakens each of your senses with its food, architecture, and language. She now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and son but continues to infuse her life and work with the passion and love of Italy.
You can find more of her work here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/frosiaknits/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/Frosia-Knits-111661896866017/
Website: https://bit.ly/2Y7qODm (this is my landing page for a soon to be website)
In case you want to have these as well:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrosiaKnits?section_id=27778264
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/frosiaknits/