Today marks four years since the release of our Drift Collection! Can you believe it?! I know some of you will have been involved in test-knitting for it and will know how big a deal it was for us. I (Victoria) still worked alone at that point, and producing a quite large collection from loads of different designers, whilst still running the business, was a huge challenge.
I did most of the photography myself (I couldn't afford to do anything else!), but did have a paid tech editor, and proof reader, of course. Meanwhile I was also still dyeing yarn, twisting, labelling, photographing, marketing, and shipping it.. AND getting ready for Yarndale where I was due to feature the collection. I had an enormous quadruple stand in order to fit everything on, and when we measured it out in the garden for planning purposes it was the full length of our garden at the time. 🤣
I honestly don't know how I pulled it all off, but I did, and it worked!
The collection features ten beautiful designs; and each piece has a touch of Eden Cottage Yarns nature-inspired whimsy. There are garments for both women and men as well as children; and a beautiful mix of accessories, including - in true Eden Cottage Yarns style - items for crochet and knitting. I've always done both and so have always wanted to include both - I see no reason to not do. With this project I really wanted to create space for each designer to stamp their own personality within the collection, with me functioning as curator, or the chief enabler. Each piece has been crafted to add a touch of warmth to your wardrobe, whatever the season. The collection drifts through the seasons; each sumptuous design drawing elements from the designer’s personal style. It was initially intended to showcase our luscious Whitfell DK (100% baby alpaca) range. Following the introduction of Milburn DK (BFL/silk) a few years later, we wanted to see how the designs would translate across the fibres and we hope you will agree that they work just as well, if not better.
To take a look back at previous posts about this collection check out these links: Two weeks til Drift, Drift release information, One year on.
Cloudburst by Dieuwke van Mulligen
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. I (Victoria) have made a new version using Milburn DK in Catmint. I need to get some updated photos of it, actually! It's one of my favourite jumpers. :)
Pimms Cup by Thea Colman
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. Here is an updated version using Milburn DK in Charcoal (again, needing some fresh new pics!).
Hardcastle by Louise Tilbrook
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. These fresh, zingy fingerless mitts are so perfect for this time of year!
Deco Swirl by Louise Zass-Bangham
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. My new version is made in Milburn DK in Bramble. We had way too much fun getting these photos. 🤣
Ja Ja by Asa Tricosa
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. We don't have a new sample of this as the one we have is still going strong, but Milburn DK is available in Charcoal and Fern if you wish to recreate the design in the original colours. With 20 shades of Milburn to choose from you now have many more ways to personalise this project.
Beulah by Clare Devine
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. The original sample in the book was made in Whitfell DK in Steel. Due to a major hiccup with yarn production I ended up with about a quarter of the volume of that colourway that I'd meant to have, and it didn't arrive in time for the collection launch. It soon sold out, and I could have knitted this up in Milburn DK in Steel but fancied a change!
Embleton by Tracey Todhunter
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. Laura made this sample for her husband using Steel and Dogwood in Milburn DK. Before that she also made a version using Bowland DK in Benbecula with an added shell stitch edging in Bowland DK in Hyssop.
Swale by Karie Westermann
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. The first sample from this collection made using Milburn DK and it was made using Wicker and Bramble which people might not often put together but they work so well! This big cosy shawl is an utter joy to own and wear!!
Bothel by Tracey Todhunter
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. Laura had some left over Titus DK in Black Orchid from making her Fronds shawl and wanted to make a matching accessory. She chose to stripe this with Milburn DK in Black Tulip and Wicker and the effect is so pretty!
Turbine by Justyna Lorkowska
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. This is a particular favourite at ECY Shedquarters, I have one in Wicker and Claire made hers in Estuary, both Milburn DK. It's SUCH a flattering design, and it's practical too - in the photos I was wearing mine in Scotland in winter - I had it on under a jacket and was really toasty!
Caldbeck by Tracey Todhunter
To take a look at the initial blog post about this design check out this Introductory blog post. Laura has made a pair in Milburn DK in Damson and I made a pair in Old Jeans on Oakworth DK. They are just so practical and ideal for dog walks! Laura's has been thoroughly used and abused over the last year and still look great!
Honey Bee by Dani Sunshine
Such a pretty little jumper and one of the most popular of all the designs in the collection. Dani has also now released Queen Bee which is in adult sizes too. Claire has made several children's jumpers recently and Honey Bee was one of these. This one is Harvest Gold on Milburn DK. To see lots of other lovely projects made using this pattern check out Ravelry HERE.
So that's it - I hope you've found this interesting and inspiring - especially if you saw this collection from the beginning and will have seen it take shape! And if you're new to it then I hope you'll just love it anyway. 😁