It's completely weird because the last time of year you'd expect to be knitting socks would be May. But I've gotta tell you; it's gonna happen, people. The sock community has gone bananas in the anticipation of the launch of the new Rowan Sock Yarn, Fine Art. I have had the fine opportunity to sample said yarn; and although I haven't gotten around to using it yet (It's like, the only colour that isn't quite 'me'), my breath is quite firmly held for the others to arrive.
I think the skein I have is Serin; its a smooth, soft yarn with a not-quite-there aura of fur from the small mohair content. Initially my main fear was colour pooling, but I'll have to get back to you on that one.
I'm quite looking forward to using the yarn for a garment, actually. Kim Hargreaves' new book, Spirit, appears to contain a few 4-ply pieces. I am, and have always been a bit of a 4-ply nut. This yarn is a little special for 'just socks'. I will of course use it for it's original purpose aswell though.
It's been a very very long time since I've felt any excitement for knitting. I do believe that it is possible to over-dsiect your hobby until little is left. Slowly but surely over the past few months, and knitting samples for display, reminded me of what I enjoyed; 4ply with intricate technique. End of. Doesn't matter what it is, what the yarn is. Even in crochet, I am quite happy with that.
So these are my new babies;
Ariene
Well this one is as good as finished. With added length, and an adjusted neckline (I am severely allergic to V-necks), this is a very short chevron pattern (and by that I merely mean just the one stitch between each flip from increases/decreases). I fell in love with the yarn's rich tweedy, matte texture when knitting the sample. It's a fragile yarn, but when treated with love and care, it's gorgeous.
I have 'slashed' the neck off this one with Sarah Hatton holding my hand. I'm never comfortable adjusting anything technical on my own. I am getting there though.
Poise
This is a sweater from the new Kim Hargreaves book,
Spirit. Now, this is a toughie, and I have been torn. The edging uses a 2mm needle, with the main body knitted on 2.75mm. Well, you can see my problem; I do not own a 2mm needle, nor have any intention of using one (except for socks, perhaps), so I used a 2.25mm for the edging instead, and kept to the 2.75 for the body. My tension is bang on.
I chose to use
Wool Cotton 4ply instead of the recommended
Rowan Siena, and in a deep Royal Blue. The yarn choice has presented it's own difficulties; the added bounce and elasticity of the Wool Cotton has caused the rib to really seize up and shrink. I've had to add some stitches to the front piece to add some extra rib like a gussett.
Also, the very subtle textured stitching on the front (a new one from Kim, I believe! I always like it when she brings us a new texture), which is basically just wrapping stitches in twos in strateigic places on the stocking stitch, barely shows up at all. This may also be my choice of colour. Luckily, Debbie Abrahams had just the thing; 4ply (size 8) beads in a colour called 'Denim'. They look great together, they really do. Plus they match my Engagement ring! God I love this blue.
What are my nails doing, I hear you ask? Well that's an easy answer; they are knitting! For my homemade OPI french mani with added sparkle from subtle shimmer shade 'I juggle.. men' check out my hands in action in the Daily Mail Videos on their webpage!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/prmts/article-2297395/Get-Knitting-The-Daily-Mail-Learn-knit-hearts-content-step-step-video-tutorials.html
Until next time, guys!
