Knitting

One More Before the End (of the Year, that is)

Posted on by Dan

I feel like I should make some excuse for why I’ve neglected to post anything for the past (what has it been?) two months. Now that the holidays are winding down, I do feel like there’s a little bit more breathing room. When I haven’t been at my day job, I’ve been doing a fair amount of felting, thanks in part for a little mention in the Dec./Jan. issue of Knitting Today!, as well as the aforementioned opportunity at the Walker.

Time to Get Busy

But, that all seems like old news. The flurry of wool and needles and boxes and shipping labels has calmed. The real reason why I wanted to get back to this blog was to share this amazing knitted gift I received from Virginia.

Fair Isle Hat

It’s a hat that even the coldest, most bitter winds of winter cannot penetrate. The Fair Isle pattern is from Japanese designer Toshiyuki Shimada, in the book Northern European Knit Accessories.

Fair Isle Hat

Hidden underneath that warm flap are miles more of cool patterns:

Fair Isle Hat

Did I say miles?

Fair Isle Hat

There are so many different ways to wear this thing, that I could sport a new look every day of the week. And, in case this wasn’t warm enough as is, there’s also a cozy lining:

Fair Isle Hat

I thought this would be a fitting piece to share, as both a bit of fireworks to end out this year, and also a bit of inspiration for the one around the corner. So, here’s to a craft-filled new year, with motivating projects, exciting challenges, and plenty of good cheer.

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Summer Knits (so far)

Posted on by Dan

‘Tis the season of linen and cotton, and so Virginia has finished a couple of summery tops that take advantage of the properties those fibers have to offer.

Gretel

Gretel

Pattern by cocoknits, this airy top is knit using Habu Cotton Gima.

Gretel

Pure

Pure

Pattern by Kim Hargreaves, this top is knit using Louet’s Euroflax Linen.

Pure

Pure

Of Snowflakes and a Stubborn Winter

Posted on by Dan

As May approaches it feels like Winter is having a hard time letting go, letting the light from the sun warm up the land. We woke up yesterday morning to another couple of inches of snow on the ground. The daffodils, which had been enjoying some previously warm days, were probably as surprised as us.

Daffodils in Snow

Maybe “surprised” isn’t the right word. I think “disheartened” is more fitting.

I’m not one for finger pointing, but a certain someone has been knitting several snowflake-themed items recently. And I wonder if, like a rain dance, there’s a power in the act of creating snowflakes out of wool.

Handknit Socks - detail

Handknit Socks

This pair of socks is from a pattern by Crissy Gardiner, appropriately called “Snowflake Socks.” Virginia knit these using Smart yarn.

Handknit Socks

She also finished this sweater, “Adelaide” by Kate Gagnon Osborn in Vintage Modern Knits.

Adelaide

It is knit using Rowan’s Kid Classic in an appropriately winter color palette.

Adelaide

To round things off, this second pair of socks was finished a couple of days ago. It’s “Harika” by Stephanie van der Lind, knit using Gems Merino.

Handknit Socks

Handknit Socks

See the theme? Wonder why there is still snow in the forecast? Fortunately, last night she started working on a crochet blanket using the “African Flower” hexagonal pattern, and it seems to be having the right effect. As I write this post, though a bit on the chilly side, the sun is out!

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Motivation

Posted on by Dan

Recently, we both faced large projects in need of finishing — Virginia, a sweater pattern; me, a pound of roving. There were days when it seemed like neither of us would actually finish. But, even with projects that seem to drag the most, there’s always a possibility of finding that nugget of inspiration to push you through to the end (even if what motivates you is just getting it off the dining room table).

Virginia’s project, a pattern in Berocco #228 called “Nopareil,” was knit with some beautiful Blackstone Tweed.

Nonpareil

Sometimes projects take on a more generous amount of inertia, making forward progress more of a slush. From what I overheard, this also must have been aided by choices made by the designer, in terms of construction, details and a collar that would not end.

Nonpareil

Still, all in all a nice sweater.

Nonpareil

My own project was spinning up a pound of roving. If you have been a regular follower of ScratchCraft you may have noticed a drop in the number of spinning-related projects. I have started to kick things back in to gear, but got a little ahead of myself when deciding to tackle a 16 oz. blend of Pygora, Wool, Mohair and Silk.

Handspun Yarn

All told, I spun approximately 1050 yards of 2-ply yarn. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely fiber making a lovely yarn. But, if you aren’t spinning regularly, 16 oz. can feel like it’s taking forever (must be some sort of fiber equivalent of ADHD). At any rate, it’s done, and I think Virginia already has a sweater idea brewing.

Handspun Yarn

My motivation to finish came with the arrival of my installment of fiber from Hello Yarn. This is “Scorch.” I knew that in order to dive into this luscious 4 oz. pile of goodness, I had to free up the spools.

Scorch

And, now I can — tonight, in fact.

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