Photo courtesy of La Bien Aimee
As a shop owner, there are fiber artists who I dream of working with. Aimee Gilles, the creator behind La Bien Aimee, is one such artist. I’ve followed Aimee’s work for a few years, and I am always looking for opportunities to support fellow BIPOC makers. I had seen Aimee’s Merino Singles in person before, but hadn’t seen her Merino DK until boxes brimming with absolutely stunning La Bien Aimee yarn arrived at our door last week. Since then, I have fallen deeply in love with this yarn.
Maybe you’ve heard of Andrea Mowry’s Comfort Fade Cardi. I had seen it, but honestly hadn’t looked too closely since La Bien Aimee was still a distant dream. But as soon as we opened the boxes, folks came down to the shop to pick color palettes to make their own cardis!
Photo courtesy of La Bien Aimee
After we helped several folks pick beautiful fade sets, I just couldn’t resist anymore and had to create my own fade. Of course I had to cast on immediately, and at that point I fell hopelessly in love.
Aimee’s colors are stunning, with subtle layering and the most beautiful array of speckles. I could tell the yarn was soft in the skein, but once I got it on my needles, I couldn’t believe the softness. Aimee’s Merino DK has a gorgeous hand. It’s smooth, super soft, with crisp stitch definition, and of course, stunning colors. I am absolutely mesmerized watching the colors dance back and forth on my needles. In fact, I can’t wait to wrap up this blog post so I can go back to knitting it!
Andrea describes this cardigan as your own canvas for painting with yarn, and it truly looks like you’re knitting your own watercolor painting. Below are some of the combinations we’ve put together so far, but the possibilities are endless! If you’re feeling inspired, come on over (in person or virtually) and let us help you put together your dream palette!
Andrea’s original fade: Vespa Graffiti, Vespiopeia, Drea, Cassiopeia
Tessa’s fade: Vespa Graffiti, Drea, Grellow, Yellow Brick Road