Welcome Hudson + West Co.

I’m excited. Like, really excited. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been so excited to launch a new yarn at the shop since we brought in the Brooklyn Tweed lines. The object of my affections? Hudson + West’s two core yarns: Forge and Weld.

Founders Sloane Rosenthal, a knitwear designer (and recovering litigator) and Meghan Babin, former editor of Interweave Knits, started Hudson + West to make ultra-wearable, knitworthy yarns for heirloom-quality garments—responsibly, ethically, and domestically. The name evokes their disparate locations: Meghan hails from New York’s Hudson River Valley, while Sloane calls the San Francisco Bay Area home.

Designer-driven and knitter-focused, Hudson + West is about making yarns that you’ll want to return to over and over. They create yarns that support the ready-to-wear inspired garments and accessories that form the core of the modern knitter’s wardrobe. They source and produce their yarns in the U.S., using a traceable, sustainable, and fair supply chain.

Hudson + West was born from a desire to make yarns that had all the qualities Sloane and Meghan love to knit with, and that would make the kinds of polished finished garments that could be worn anywhere and inspire people to ask “Where did you get that sweater?!”

Forge and Weld, their first two yarns, are made from the same beautifully heathered blend of Corriedale and Merino fleece, sourced from the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico and New York’s Hudson Valley.

Here’s what we have planned for the launch:

-A special episode of Needles on the Net! Last week I met-up with Sloane and Meghan to talk about everything Hudson and west, and say hi to all their new Canadian knitter friends.

-We are hosting a trunk show in the bricks and mortar shop for the Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, including the cardigan that started it all: Brewster

-On Friday November 5 at 7:00pm EDT we are hosting a zoom happy hour with founders Sloane and Meghan. We would love it if you would join us! Pour a drink, grab your latest WIP and hang out with us to learn more about their fabulous yarn and designs.

REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE THE LINK

And while the yarn is fantastic, it’s really their collection of designs that stole my heart. Chock full of cables and textured stitches, the designs are everything that I LOVE.

The latest collection is incredible, you’re definitely going to want to peruse the lookbook.

With over 80 designs to choose from, it’s going to be hard to narrow things down, but I’m going to attempt to highlight my favourites.

Plymouth by Sarah Solomon
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plymouth-2

DROOL. This is probably going to be my first full garment in Forge. Those Cables, that button band, the pockets. She’s perfect.

Bridge Street by Lana Jois
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bridge-street

This is my very first project in Forge, I’ll be sharing my finished project photos soon! A great project to take Forge out for a spin, 3 skeins, and you get to try a few different stitches including cables, rib and lace.

Note: this guy also comes in a fingering weight version for weld
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bridge-street-weld-version

Promenade by Sloane Rosenthal
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/promenade-15

Bold, Dramatic and quick, promenade is knit at a chunky gauge by holding forge double.

Harris by Meghan Babin
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-10

Forge and weld are equally at home in colourwork. Harris is Meghan’s riff on “the dude sweater”. While inspired by meanswear the sweater is for everyone, and she’s even created tutorials on steeking and zipper installting.

Selima by Susanna IC
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/selima

Selima is my absolute favourite pattern in weld. I love its billowy silhouette, perfectly realized in this light and fluffy fingering weight yarn. The garter stitch detail on the sides is so lovely and the split hem is “chef’s kiss”

Rhett Meghan Babin
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rhett-2

A quick one skein project, Rhett is a classic cabled toque with a big ole squishy folded brim.

Ari by Cheryl Toy
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ari-6

This gorgeous cowl neck sweater is worked top down in the round. Simple stockinette on the body of the sweater sets off the fantastic ribbed cables on the arms.

Saven by Meghan Babin
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saven

Last but certainly not least, this piece de resistance is Saven, an anagram for Evans. That’s right, this baby was inspired by the sweater that Chris Evans wore in the film “knives out”. Possibly THE ultimate fisherman style pullover.