Meet Hannah and Howard’s Knob

by | Apr 21, 2020 | Introductions, News

Howard’s Knob Yarn

  • Howard’s Knob Bulky
  • 80% Value Wool/20% Flax
  • 2-ply, 556 mts/kg (276 yds/pd)

Howard's Knob Yarn (cone & skein)

When Meridian Specialty Yarn Group decided to branch out and start a new venture into natural fiber yarns last year, they invited me to join them as a subject matter expert – a fancy title for my favorite job in the whole world! Designing yarn!

Here we are a year later! I’ve been meeting new people, learning even more about fiber and making yarn in the U.S., and collecting new stories. It’s time to introduce you to both the dedicated staff at the Mill House and the wonderful yarns we’ve created.

I am going to start with my favorite story about Hannah Everhart and Howard’s Knob!

Hannah is probably the only member of the sales team at Meridian that is an active crafter and “fiber gal.” A long-time crocheter and knitter, Hannah was especially excited to attend her very first fiber fair this year.  We attended the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in North Carolina on a research mission.

I remember losing her in the crowd at one point.  When I finally found her, she was deep in discussion with a vendor learning to use a drop spindle!  I was never quite clear how many of her “finds” made it into her stash. She swears it was research material but, I don’t know . . . . . ?

Clearly, Hannah’s creative juices were flowing now and, at our next design meeting she was all charged up with an idea for a new yarn. She told us about a project she wanted to make and but couldn’t find the yarn she wanted – so could we make it?

Well, you didn’t have to read ahead to realize “we did,” and “she did” and the result is Howard’s Knob Bulky.

Interview with Hannah

Hi Hannah, what was the project that inspired this new yarn?

View from Howard's Knob, North Carolina

I am always searching the internet for easy, useful projects that I can do after a long day of work. When I was doing some surfing on the internet looking for inspiration, I saw several knit and/or crochet baskets that really caught my fancy. Many of these projects used multiple strands of yarn or twine.

What qualities were you looking to achieve in your first sample? And why?

Well, I really didn’t like twine because it smells and can be hard on the hands. But, I wanted a yarn that would be able to stand up on its own in a basket without any assistance. I was looking for a softer but still sturdy yarn to help hold the integrity of the basket but still be enjoyable to work with. I wanted a bulkier yarn (than twine) with a softer twist so the yarn would be plump for a quicker project time.  I settled on trying a 2-ply with some of our domestic Value wool and a really nice, naturally colored Belgian flax we’ve been able to source.

Did you get it right the first time?

I was so excited! I did get it right the first time. As I made the first basket — it actually looked like a basket!  The sides formed and held their shape  with hardly any extra encouragement from me.

Tell us about how you named this yarn.

I knew I wanted this yarn to represent me, so I picked Howard’s Knob for a couple of reasons. The first reason was because Howard is my dad’s name. I would have tried to pick a name after my mother because she is who instilled creativity into me, but Nelda is a hard sell. The second reason I picked it is for the memories that Howard’s Knob gives me. It is a mountain in Boone, North Carolina where from its height you can see the entire city. It was one of the first spots my family went for a Sunday picnic and where my husband took me for my first birthday with him.

What types of projects do you think this yarn would be good for?

The yarn is ideal for baskets and rugs. I think it would also be great for hanging baskets and woven wall art.

Hannah’s Crochet Basket
designed by Hannah Everhart

Howard's Knob Empty Basket

    • Description: A small, sturdy, crocheted basket. The size may be altered by adding more rows to the base and/or more rounds to the sides.
    • Measurements: L 5.5″ x W 5.5″ x H 3″
    • Materials: 1 skein Howard’s Knob Bulky
    • Tools: Size N-13/9.00 mm crochet hook, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Directions

Chain 12
Base of basket (a rectangle), worked in rows:
Row 1: Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, single crochet to end of row. (11 stitches)
Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet to end of row.
Rows 3 to 12 : Repeat row 2.

Basket walls, worked in the round:
Round 13: Single crochet around entire perimeter of basket.
Round 14 – 30: Single crochet around perimeter — 11 stitches each side, inserting hook into the top of each previous stitch. Use your fingers to push out the corners after the first few rows to encourage the basket walls to grow vertically.
Fasten off .

2020 – This pattern is offered as a free pattern by Hannah Everhart and Meridian Mill House Yarn Shop. Best efforts have been made to provide an error free pattern.

* Meridian Mill House Yarn Store, 40 Rex Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28054 *
email: customerservice@meridianmillhouse.com

Jeane deCoster

Author

Yarn designer, hand dyer, teacher, consultant. Owner (and chief dyer and bottle-washer) of her own indy yarn company, www.Elemental Affects.com.

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