I am ecstatic that I finally get to share this latest MFPP with you all! Ruth Nguyen’s designs are positively magical, and they all make me want to reach for my needles and scrumptious yarn right this very second, despite having two papers I need to write and about a dozen other work knits I needed to finish like yesterday. Her latest collection, a MFPP she designed especially for Malabrigo is no exception. This collection features 5 incredible patterns that showcase lace and twisted stitches that evoke feels of the English promenades, with a display of delicacy and strength. The toughest decision is choosing which piece to knit first!

There is a lovely cardigan, Spanish Waltz, an asymmetrical shawl, Waves of Tory, the daintiest fingerless mitts I’ve ever seen, Maltese Branle, a rectangular stole, Duke of Kent, and the clever convertible wrap, Carolina promenade. The pieces feature yarns from Malabrigo Lace to Arroyo and Rios, so there is a bit of something for everyone to enjoy knitting! 

Ruth graciously shared a little bit of behind-the-scenes information about this collection as well as some practical advice in working the pieces.

1: What is your favorite piece in your MFPP Collection?

That’s hard to say—I love each design for different reasons! I think the one I’m most proud of is Duke of Kent. It’s a shape I haven’t worked with before, and I’m super happy with how the directional lines mimic the dance it’s named after. 

2: What should knitters pay attention to when working these patterns? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting them easier?

Since these designs feature lace and twisted stitches together, choosing yarn and hitting an appropriate gauge can be tricky. Too tight, and the lace won’t block out correctly; too loose and the twisted stitches will become sloppy/lack definition. If knitters are unsure, I would suggest knitting up a small swatch to make sure they are satisfied with the fabric before committing. All the designs are charted, so knowing how to read charts is a must. Finally, some of the designs utilize unusual bobble techniques which are explained in the pattern; I recommend reading those directions carefully.

3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about these projects?

I’ve tried to create designs that have a bit of dressy, evening-wear flair to them, which is hard to find. Along those lines, each design has at least one detail that sets it apart as special, such as the gem-like bobbles on Maltese Bransle or the scalloped collar of Spanish Waltz in place of a plain ribbed collar. While these details take a little extra work and attention, they level up each piece beyond everyday knits (even though you could definitely rock them with jeans and tennis shoes if desired!) And not every design is super difficult; they range from very simple and straightforward (Waves of Tory and Carolina Promenade) to giant labors of love like Duke of Kent. Hopefully each one is addictive and rewarding to knit regardless of skill level!

4: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?

I started with a very specific design brief: the English country dances my parents hosted at our house every year when I was a teenager. We went with full-on evening wear, completely lit up and rearranged our house to make it into a dance floor, and prepped for months in advance, including practicing the dances. I wanted to capture the movements of these old-fashioned dances in the lines, textures, and shapes of these designs; but I also wanted to capture the joyful, elevated feeling of those parties at my parents’ to bring a contemporary edge to them.

5: What is something you wish people knew about you as a designer?

How much they inspire me! My testers and customers are come up with the most wonderful color combos and modifications to make my designs their own, and it’s a privilege to observe and learn from that. 

6: Is there anything else you would like to share about your collection or your designs in general?

I hope this collection will inspire lots of knitters to try new things in their knitting, and maybe try some English country dancing too! Both art forms are massive influences on me as a person as well as a creative, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring them together in Dancing Knits. 

Thank you Ruth for sharing with us and most especially for sharing these beautiful pieces with us! 

To find more of Ruth’s work, be sure to follow on Instagram @redearthdesignstudio  or check out: redearthdesignstudio.com. The entire collection can be found: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/dancing-knits/patterns

Post by Jessica Anderson @ajoyfullmesswithjess