Episode 2: Definite colour theme
The second episode is up on YouTube! I chat about my current works in progress, talk about the why I cast on more even when I've got plenty of projects on the go. I show off a couple of finished objects and last but not least a parade of beautiful new yarn that made it into my stash.
On the needles
I've cast on my second Hansel Hap, the full version this time. A very good friend of mine is having a baby this winter and I felt the need to pour some love and good wishes into a hand knit gift for mum and baby. I fell in love with this pattern by Gudrun Johnson when I knit the half hap for myself recently as it is just so simple and lovely. I feel that garter stitch blankets + babies = true, so it's a no brainer really. I'm knitting this up in Nøstebarn 2-ply Merinoull (811 Naturbeige) which is a natural non-superwash 100% merino lambswool, perfect for delicate baby skin. I have some ideas for the colours on the lace border, but nothing decided yet.
Next up I have the Rocquaine pullover that is also a new cast on, joining Amy Florence from the Stranded Podcast for her Rocquaine-along. This is a pattern that was first published in issue 18 of Pom Pom Magazine (you can still get back issues and/or digital versions on their site) and is now available for single pattern download on Ravelry.
Selbu Mittens, poor things only in need of thumbs. Time will show if i pick them up for a quick win by next podcast or if they will be left lingering for time eternal...
Bound Off
The No Frills Sweater has been completed and blocked! I am very chuffed with how this turned out and am looking forward to being cozy in this mohair loveliness this winter. Will write up a blog post on that and add some photos of it pretty soon.
I finally fixed buttons to the ZZZ-jumpsuit I have made as a baby-gift for a dear friend. As I'm seeing her this week it was now or never, babies grow so fast! I really love this pattern and the smart little fold-over covers for hands and feet. It is so soft and squishy, fast to knit with Pickles Extra Fine Merino held double throughout. The yoke done in garter stitch also makes for a nice and comfy fit for baby.
Obsessions and distractions
This past week several additions to my ever growing stash of yarn was made. I received two parcels in the post, one of which turned out to be a bit pricier than expected as it was stopped in the customs and I had to pay a whopping import fee and taxes... silly me had forgotten about the 350 kr value limit for shipments to Norway. In any case I am loving the colours and am trying to decide what combo would be best for the Camomille shawl I talked about casting on in the last episode. The idea is to use the fuzzy Quing Fibre "Punjabi" and the silky smooth Skein Queen "Greenham Commons" together. I must swatch.
Yak Single
Quing Fibre, hand dyed, 65% SW Merino 20% silk 15% yak. Colourway "Punjabi"
Selkino
Skein Queen, hand dyed, 70% superwash merino 30% silk, colourway "Greenham Commons"
Speaking of swatching I mention the Treysta Pullover by Jennifer Steingass, which I have had my eye on for some time as a good worsted weight Icelandic yoke to make. I saw Tukuwool's version of it on instagram and will blatantly copy the colour combo as it is stunning - AND one of my favourite yarns of all time, Tinde Pelsull, have pretty much the same colourways available (read: impromptu visit to my LYS)!
1,491 Likes, 22 Comments - Tukuwool (@tukuwool) on Instagram: "How many Treysta sweaters one could need... if you haven't knitted it yet, our Tukuwool Sock is a..."
Tinde
Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk, 100% norwegian pelt wool, colourways "2107 Lime", "2103 Conac" and "Dusty Pink"
Am I a possible future sock knitter? I have discovered a need for warm feet and self-striping yarn to make vanilla socks interesting to knit might be just the ticket. Subsequent purchase of even more yarn (see Zauberball below). So far I've managed to stave off the growing need to "buy all the sock yarn", I'm sure I can dig out some usable yarn in my existing stash.
I am now also finally able to finish my What the fade? by Andrea Mowrey. That missing hank of Malabrigo Sock arrived this week and I'm looking forward to finishing that giant of a shawl for winter.
Sock
Malabrigo, 100% superwash merino, colourway "871 Playa"
Zauberball Starke 6
Schoppel, self striping, 75% wool 25% nylon, colourway "2248 Zimtschnecke"
