It’s All Happening!
Greetings Fabulous Fiber Friends!
Thank you for all the love on our first newsletter! You can’t possibly understand how happy it made me! Hopefully we can recreate that magic each week (fingers crossed) because it wasn't just fun to put together, it was even more fun to watch you enjoy and to hear your feedback!
This week in the newsletter we not only highlight that it’s my BIRTHDAY WEEK , but also give recognition to those in our community who are continually fighting the good fight for size-inclusivity in all types of pattern writing. Being able to just buy a pattern without worry of shortcomings in sizing is the ultimate goal. My hope is that we get there sooner than later, but we will absolutely get there!
Thankfully, I want for nothing on this birthday, but the wide-eyed FIT student, that was inspired by the endless possibilities of design and creativity, is still inside me. Obviously, I have a wish list of things I would buy myself if money were no object and I share a few faves below!
Welcome to the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Birthday Edition!
But first, let’s shine this week’s Community Spotlight on,
Autumn Eden-Goodman
She isn't just named for our favorite season, a name that may have revealed her destiny of being a fiber artist even before she knew it…. Autumn Eden-Goodman is also a tireless crusader for all things size-inclusive.
Having only become a knitter a short five years ago, Eden-Goodman immediately saw a hole in the fiber community where size-inclusive patterns should live and she’s been fighting to fill it ever since.
Over the past year, AEG has been working on an ever expanding Google Doc full of designers / patterns that champion size- inclusivity, and she hasn't stopped there. In August she set up the handle @SizeInclusivePatterns on Instagram so that humans who hate spreadsheets (ie: all of us) have a familiar place to go to grab her SI info.
Each post is a re-post from the designer with a comment by AEG about the pattern that includes info on chest size range, recommended yarn weight, and outlines accessibility features such as pricing plans and low-vision formats.
Please use the button below to access AEG’s size-inclusivity instagram page and if you like what you see, consider showing your appreciation for her unpaid hard work by buying her a Ko-Fi. After all, this level of dedication to changing an industry for the better deserves a round of applause and a heartfelt thank you from all of us. ❤️
Size Inclusive Patterns on Instagram
https://linktr.ee/autumnedengoodman
Size Inclusive Patterns by…
While browsing through @SizeInclusivePatterns on Instagram, I couldn't help but drool over these wooly wonders, while dreaming of a life with enough time to knit them all! Here are my top six, in no particular order:
Clockwise from top left:
Sundaze by Wool & Pine Designs (@wool.and.pine.designs);
Possibility of Crows Cardigan by Harper Bee (@disyarning);
Applesauce Top by Noriko (@norichanknits);
Ruffle Schmuffle by Zanete Husaina (@zaneteknits);
Kloss by Quail Studio (@quail_studio);
The Muse Tee by Amanda Solomon (@melanatedbohobae).
VRK Design Inspo Triad
Speaking of my fashion school days, this week's Design Inspo Triad is fueled by NYC’s top design programs and the innovative creations their students sent down the runway in 2023. We would have loved to attribute each of these garments to their student designer, but the institution websites failed to specify artist names. However, these textures, fabrication and style of layering clearly demonstrate that the future of knitwear design is in wildly capable hands.
(L to R): Fashion Institute of Technology (📷 Bennett Raglin for Getty, courtesy of FIT); PRATT Institute (📷 Fernando Colon, courtesy of PRATT); Parsons School of Design (📷 Joseph Jagos, courtesy of Parsons the New School).
Some of my faves for your consideration…
Click on the pics for links to the items
Watch
Survival of the Thickest - In this Netflix Original Series, Michelle Buteau shines as Mavis, the witty and talented aspiring stylist coming into her own in NYC after a messy breakup. Tune-in to watch Mavis step into her power, find the love of her life, lift others up and learn to let go. A must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh and genuine life lessons.
Listen
Quelqu’un M’a Dit - The first studio album by Italian-French singer Carla Bruni is nothing short of exquisite. Bruni’s soft French vocals, playful guitar strums and enchanting melodies will make you want to choose this as the soundtrack to your everyday. You’ll soon find yourself singing along even if you don't speak a word of French.
Wear
Half-Moon Mani Inspo - Michelle Lee, the former EIC of Allure and Nylon Mag takes us on a color journey, one nail at a time, on her Insta account @HeyMichelleLee. This seasonal palette gives Fall leaves, right on your finger tips so everyone can see your excitement over sweater weather! For those who seek chic, the half-moon silhouette elevates the Autumnal rainbow!
Explore
Pure Heart, Cluttered Mind by Ron Reyes - My Dad was my fave person on the planet. His birthday is the day after mine, so our special days are forever connected. When my heart aches, I can pick up his book (dedicated to my first son) and read his words of inspiration. He was such a loving and special person. If you’re in need of some guidance, maybe his words can help you too. ❤️
Adorn
Hand-dyed Scarves by Chelsea Yarns. This luxe indie-dye company in Red Bank, NJ has done it again! What can't Christina dye into a work of art?? Enter her stunning hand-dyed silk scarves! Tie one around your neck for an Audrey moment, around your hat if you're feeling fashion forward, or use as a closure for your hand-knit cardigan! We just know RBM is as excited as we are!
Nest
Rajiv Surendra, former Mean Girls actor turn HGTV YouTube channel host and Founder of Letters In Ink, a graphic design and calligraphy service, has his own amazing You Tube channel! His latest video chronicles how he took his small Manhattan apartment from beige box to magical oasis filled with his most meaningful treasures. The video: a must see, and the channel: a must subscribe!
Read / Stream
Libby / Kanapy /Hoopla - three awesome user-friendly apps that allow library patrons to borrow and stream with ease! Read e-books, listen to audiobooks, stream extensive collections of educational and independent films. Unlock access to a diverse range of thought-provoking content, all from local public libraries, all for FREE!
TASTE * GemmaDarling Pick
Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream - Recipe by The Loopy Whisk! When a plethora of health issues started to plague Inorganic Chem Ph.D student Kat Carmelj, she experimented in allergy friendly baking! Her website is full of free recipes for all types of dietary needs and everything looks as scrumptious as the window of a corner bakery!
Birthdays make me happy! Aging really is a privilege, and while I don’t need tangible items to celebrate because the most beautiful things in life are not actually things at all, like warm smiles, vivid memories, special moments, the smell of fresh snow, side-splitting laughter, hugs… they certainly do add a bit of sparkle to the day!
Here are my top ten suggestions for magical birthday gifts!
1- Lumie Glass
3- JesabelleB Chicagoo Shorties Case
You asked, I’m listening!
The 7 Wonders Shrug (pictured above) is coming . . .
Behind the scenes, Dani and I have been strategizing to formulate a plan that best works for us in terms of getting designs from my head to my needles / hooks, down on paper, into testing and to you, smoothly. Right now we are looking to compile a database of test knitters / crocheters who would be willing to give my newborn patterns their first try.
Should you want to be considered, please email testvanreyknits@gmail.com with info about yourself in terms of fiber arts. Have you test knit/crochet before and for whom? How long does it generally takes you to finish a garment? Do you prefer knitting or crochet? Garments or accessories? Thin or bulky yarn? Any specialties like sewing or embroidery?
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Our patterns will always be size-inclusive and we would love to have a team of test-knitters /crocheters that reflect that, so please also include your chest size.
We will do our best to get back to you in a timely fashion, but please have patience with us as we are building VRK from the ground up. We greatly appreciate your love and support!
And Finally…
A REMINDER: Our first community Zoom is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st at 7:00pm ET and will celebrate all things MY BIRTHDAY! Hellooo Libra season! Prepare for an hour full of fiber, creativity and laughter, as we introduce ourselves and showcase what’s in the works for Fall here at VRK!
The link to join will be in our next newsletter. If you’d like to read the Birthday Edition or this week’s newsletter in it’s entirety please make sure to subscribe, this is only a highlight.
As always thank you for being here and have a fabulous weekend!
Xx
Vanessa
