We are proud to release our.....
North Sea Collection Part 2 |
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| Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts is all about the timeless connection between the past and present, weaving early textile traditions into our modern yarn creations. We have a deep appreciation for heritage sheep breeds, recognizing their role in preserving history and biodiversity. Our commitment lies in crafting eco-friendly, heritage-breed-specific yarns that carry this rich heritage forward, and this is reflected in our newest offering, The North Sea Collection, which features Herlig DK (50% Viking Norway wool, 50% Cruelty Free Merino).
Norwegian wool, cultivated since Viking times, boasts warmth, strength, and incredible comfort. The sheep are deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture, so much so that they are simply known as "white" sheep. They lead a natural mountain life, making Norwegian wool a prime example of an eco-friendly textile fiber. Our Norwegian wool comes from Viking Norway, where a cooperative ensures every step of processing is eco-friendly, preserving the wool's exceptional qualities. To enhance its softness, we blend it with cruelty-free merino wool. The result is a yarn that shines with lustre, beauty, and durability. Thanks to these qualities Herlig DK pairs perfectly with our Lascaux DK yarn, which also uses wool that also has deep historic roots, and you'll find both in The North Sea Collection.
In this Scandinavian-themed collection, we celebrate Scandinavian knitting traditions, drawing inspiration from Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, Finnish, and Faroese influences. Our talented designers have embraced these traditions to create stunning patterns that showcase our yarns. This collection is divided into three captivating themes: Ship and Sea, Shore and Sand, and Home and Hearth. It's a showcase of vibrant colorwork, combining traditional and modern techniques, elegant textures, and beautiful cables. We hope these designs not only capture your imagination but also become a source of inspiration for your knitting projects! |
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 | | Photo © Annick Heinen |
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Second of three themes within the collection...
Shore and Sand |
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| The second theme in The North Sea Collection is Shore and Sand. After navigating tumultuous seas, we return to northern shores for our next group of inspirations. The narrative for this theme begins with Herlig DK’s inner Viking and tells the story of sandy shores and coastal activities. The inspirations for this theme take shape beginning with the waves on the sands themselves, and then move inland to the mountains. Some designs delve into historical events and places, while others celebrate timeless traditions. Every piece that is part of this theme narrates a unique story based on unique places and is a testament to the captivating beauty of the Scandinavian coastline.
As we move through the collection, the designs capture the essence of majestic mountain landscapes and the enduring activities that flourish within. Selbu and nature-inspired colours combine to create a stunning set of garments that bring together the best of Scandinavian as well as Canadian influences. History is important in this theme, but so is fun, and so at one point skiing, an activity cherished for 8000 years and still embraced with passion today, takes centre stage. Join us on this exploration, where each stitch resonates with the whispers of the shoreline and the captivating adventures that unfold between the sea and the mountains. |
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| Patterns, eBook, and Kits for all these designs are available on the Ancient Arts Website and Ravelry. Please note that all patterns are both charted and written out, and all kits include a built-in discount from 10-20% off! If you don’t see the colours you want, just let us know and we will be glad to set up a custom kit using any of our DK yarn. |
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North Coast Cardigan by Cheryl Toy
IG @knitwithcheryltoy |
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North Coast Cardigan Pattern
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| Knit in the rich tapestry of traditional Scandinavian hues, the North Coast Cardigan beautifully captures the essence of the misty shores and sea breezes. For those damp, cool days, a robustly cabled cardigan is your best ally. The North Coast Cardigan, adorned with intricate and deeply etched cabling, wraps you in luxurious warmth, keeping you impervious to the relentless North Sea winds. It's standout feature is a wide Celtic cable, gracefully framed by beaded ribbing, adorned with textured diamonds and elegant braids. Within its cozy embrace, knitted-in pockets patiently await to offer solace to chilly hands, while the vertically ribbed button bands evolve into a generously folded shawl collar, ready to envelop you in a warm embrace. This hand-knit masterpiece is more than just a sweater; it's a testament to craftsmanship, evoking the rugged beauty of the North Coast in every stitch. |
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Scandes Cowl by Fiona Munro
IG @Munrosisters3 |
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| The Scandes Cowl is a tribute to the mesmerizing geometric patterns that dance across the surface of the North Sea's waves, and the towering peaks of the mountains that overlook northern fjords. The captivating display of the contrasting colours create a wearable work of art with no 'back' or 'wrong side' to it. Crafted as a circular tube, this cowl is designed for effortless and versatile wear. The cowl is worked in the round, beginning with a provisional cast-on, and culminating in a graft which seamlessly unites the final round with the provisionally cast-on stitches. The Scandes Cowl is more than just an accessory; it's an homage to the ever-shifting motions of the sea, and the eternal shapes of the mountains, encapsulated in every stitch. Plus, it’s fun to knit! |
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Shoal Pullover by Cheryl Toy
IG @knitwithcheryltoy |
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| This pullover draws its inspiration from the shore itself! Have you ever paused to observe the intricate patterns etched in the sand by a receding wave? They're like flowing, watery diamonds, akin to the mesmerizing cables that meander across the entire fabric of the Shoal Pullover. This garment is an ode to warmth, and a tribute to the liquid beauty of the sea. The dense, rich fabric of the Shoal Pullover is brought to life by these all-over cables, which create comfort and snugness. The twists and turns of these stitches, combined with the soft, woolly essence of Herlig, give birth to a garment that perfectly embodies the seaside. It's a piece that seamlessly blends rugged and rustic charm with a lightness that makes it a breeze to wear. The Shoal Pullover is not just a sweater; it's a tactile reminder of the serene beauty of coastal waves and the warmth they leave behind. |
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Farsund Cardigan by Cheryl Toy
IG @knitwithcheryltoy |
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The Farsund Cardigan has been crafted as a tribute to Herlig's inner Viking Norway wool spirit, drawing from traditional Norwegian Selbu colorways and patterning. This stranded and steeked cardigan seamlessly blends the timeless artistry of the North with modern Canadian design sensibilities. The result is a striking, Nordic-inspired garment featuring a captivating geometric motif, which gracefully extends from the seamless yoke down to the hem and cuffs. Farsund is meticulously worked from the top down and thoughtfully steeked, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit. To add an extra touch of elegance, the button band is lined with the accent color, concealing cleverly hidden buttonholes. It's a fusion of heritage and contemporary fashion, uniting the best of Scandinavian and Canadian craftsmanship in a single, must-have piece.
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Ski Lodge Sweater by Evelyn Siatra
IG @evelyn_siatra |
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Ski Lodge Sweater Pattern
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Picture the crisp, invigorating mountain air, the thrill of ski trips, peaceful walks through the forest, and the warmth of a steaming cup of hot chocolate as you unwind after a day well spent. The Ski Lodge Sweater captures the essence of these cherished moments. A modern classic, worn as traditional coastal wear to becoming movie famous when worn by James Bond, this sweater is fabulous anywhere! At its heart, this sweater boasts a captivating central cable running down the front, reminiscent of the intricate interplay of wintery landscapes. Its sides are adorned with a delightful two-stitch check pattern, evoking the comfort of cozy cabins and snowy scenes. The sleeves continue this theme with their own two-stitch check and a smaller cable at the center, like a subtle nod to the skier's journey through the pines.
Designed for both style and comfort, the Ski Lodge Sweater offers a loose, relaxed fit that beckons to be worn casually. The inviting funnel neck and the elegance of raglan sleeves add to its irresistible charm. It's a beguiling pullover that seamlessly blends casual, comfy, and incredibly wearable, much like the outdoor moments which inspired it.
We will be offering a class on knitting this sweater in the New Year!
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