June 26, 2010

new pattern

Pattern: Ecotone
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy (34% Hemp, 41% Cotton, 25% Modal; 153 yds/140 m per 1.76 oz / 50g skein): 9 (9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12, 13) skeins. Shown in #040 Olive Drab
Notions: One 1.5” (35mm) button, and two 3/4” (20mm) buttons
Sizes: 36"(38",40",42",44",46",48")

As I had some requests to write up my notes for this, I obliged. The pattern has been tech edited and is now available (see sidebar). The construction is fairly simple and suitable for an intermediate knitter. It's knit in separate pieces and then seamed together. The body pieces are knit flat while the sleeves are knit in the round and set into the body at the end. I-cord finishes the edging.

I've been wearing mine for the last several weeks and find it's a versatile sweater for work or on weekends. The yarn is a wonderful texture and weight for cooler summer days and it drapes beautifully. Hope you like it.

Now to prepare for a certain soon-to-be-six-years-old girl's birthday party tomorrow. We're going to see Toy Story 3. Yay!!

Happy weekend!

June 19, 2010

love love love

Pattern: Shetland Triangle by Evelyn A. Clark
Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts Blue Label Fingering Weight in 'Garnet'

I had an urgent desire to knit a shawl this week. I've been meaning to replace one I made a few years ago in the same colour as this in a single ply which had become sort of fuzzy and felted (no more single ply lacework for me). This is one of my favourite patterns of all time. I've made it once before and plan to do it many many more times. (I'm trying really hard not to cast on again today for one). It's easy to memorize and goes quickly and has plain purl wrong side rows. It's a good "comfort food" pattern for me. I know I'm going to enjoy making it and it will turn out fabulous.

And this yarn! I am always so happy to discover a great yarn, and this one is handdyed by Tanis in Montreal. (I may also have a soft spot for Montreal. I took my Fine Arts degree there). Her yarn is so nice to work with and her colour choices are causing me many wasted hours of indecision. She even sells roving!

Hope you have a great weekend, peeps. Happy fathers' day!

June 10, 2010

ecotone

Here is that green thing I've mentioned...

(awkward looking pose to show cuff detail...)

Pattern: my own
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy

I came across this amazing yarn in my LYS awhile ago and I couldn't stop fondling it. You know the drill. So I bought several balls of it and had almost made it out of the store with them when I saw the most wonderful buttons I had ever laid eyes on. I have been on a quest for a very long time for a good dark, wooden, concave, large button. And there it was. So I put it together with the yarn and made this.

I think it works OK.

June 4, 2010

space cadet

Just a quick post to say that maybe the stress of getting water in my basement last weekend (remember our beautiful new floors?yah.well), near-constant threat of more thunderstorms/water, crazy workload at work, etc. is finally messing with my brain...

A while ago I watched part of Planet 51 and totally fell in love with the 'sets' and their curvalinear buildings, street furniture, etc. I think the "circle connected to another circle by a line" thing is stuck in my head. At lunch today I did a quick excel chart for maybe a future fair isle thingamabob and I started out just doing trees. Then they were trees mirrored (like trees and roots), then flipped horizontally. Circles attached with lines.

Then I stood back and saw the weird optical illusion thing happening with the diagonals. I don't think I could handle a whole sweater of this. Even 40 years ago. Happy Friday!