Christmas in the summer this year!
Making hats for my Daughter, Son-in-Law and Granddaughter for Christmas. They will be coming to visit late spring/early summer this year so my usual knitting time for gifts is cut in half. Yikes!!
Oh well, that's ok. These hats are fairly quick and easy to make. Quite fun too. I'm using two stands of sock yarn throughout - Paton's Kroy and Lang's Jawoll Sock. All three hats have the same variegated yarn. My daughter's hat (on the left) is paired with cream, my Son-in-Law's hat is paired with black and my Granddaughter's hat is paired with a medium grey. Granddaughter's hat will also get a knitted flower on the brim.
The design is called Cistern Spring and was created by Erica Dirks and published on Knitty Winter 2012. Here's the Knitty link http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEw12/PATTcistern.php and here is Erica's ravelry page http://www.ravelry.com/designers/erica-dirks. Oh yes, I must mention that the top of these hats is quite stunning with the yarn mixture.
Oh well, that's ok. These hats are fairly quick and easy to make. Quite fun too. I'm using two stands of sock yarn throughout - Paton's Kroy and Lang's Jawoll Sock. All three hats have the same variegated yarn. My daughter's hat (on the left) is paired with cream, my Son-in-Law's hat is paired with black and my Granddaughter's hat is paired with a medium grey. Granddaughter's hat will also get a knitted flower on the brim.
The design is called Cistern Spring and was created by Erica Dirks and published on Knitty Winter 2012. Here's the Knitty link http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEw12/PATTcistern.php and here is Erica's ravelry page http://www.ravelry.com/designers/erica-dirks. Oh yes, I must mention that the top of these hats is quite stunning with the yarn mixture.
Knitting some bike gear!
This image is a little dark but hopefully you can see it well enough. My bike Nimbus is the "model" and the knitting project is on it's way to being a neck warmer.
I have a white leather jacket that matches my bike and the neck warmer is to go with it. The stitch is very simple, 2x2 knit/purl ribbing. Currently it is about 7 inches long and there is enough yarn to go another 2 inches.
Neck warmers are wonderful little things that can actually enhance a ride! Even on what seems to be a warm day, if the wind is on the cool side it becomes that much cooler when riding in the open air - especially at 80k or 90k.
The yarn I'm using is Debblie Blis Angel mohair with a sparkle. The sparkle is very subtle which is one of the things that drew me to this yarn. When the neck warmer is completed, it will be long enough to wear single thick or folded over for double thick.
These also make for wonderful quick and easy Christmas gifts that are especially welcome (in this yarn weight) for spring and autumn.
I have a white leather jacket that matches my bike and the neck warmer is to go with it. The stitch is very simple, 2x2 knit/purl ribbing. Currently it is about 7 inches long and there is enough yarn to go another 2 inches.
Neck warmers are wonderful little things that can actually enhance a ride! Even on what seems to be a warm day, if the wind is on the cool side it becomes that much cooler when riding in the open air - especially at 80k or 90k.
The yarn I'm using is Debblie Blis Angel mohair with a sparkle. The sparkle is very subtle which is one of the things that drew me to this yarn. When the neck warmer is completed, it will be long enough to wear single thick or folded over for double thick.
These also make for wonderful quick and easy Christmas gifts that are especially welcome (in this yarn weight) for spring and autumn.
Premiere Issue of NORO Magazine YIPPEE :)
Now I need some NORO yarn! So excited that this company has launched its own magazine. Yes, if you haven't noticed, I am a total NORO addict. Hoping to get to the yarn shop today to see what they have in stock. There are a couple of projects in this magazine I would like to make.
The main article in this issue of the magazine is an introduction to the manufacturer and and Mr. Noro, written by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton is a long time NORO afficionado. The article explains a little bit about the NORO techniques and approach to yarn crafting (yes, more crafted than productioned) and colour inspirations. Their approach is wonderful and very well thought. As a company, NORO constantly remains mindful of the environment and safety. This mindfulness starts with the actual farm that produces the animals that produce the yarn. I am extremely grateful for the care and consideration that is given to all of these levels.
Anyways, go find your own copy and enjoy it as I am doing with mine!
The main article in this issue of the magazine is an introduction to the manufacturer and and Mr. Noro, written by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton is a long time NORO afficionado. The article explains a little bit about the NORO techniques and approach to yarn crafting (yes, more crafted than productioned) and colour inspirations. Their approach is wonderful and very well thought. As a company, NORO constantly remains mindful of the environment and safety. This mindfulness starts with the actual farm that produces the animals that produce the yarn. I am extremely grateful for the care and consideration that is given to all of these levels.
Anyways, go find your own copy and enjoy it as I am doing with mine!
Who are your favourite knitwear designers?
Jane Ellison
http://janeellison.tumblr.com/ It was this designer's book who prompted my first purchase of Noro yarn. Not only do I enjoy the clean simple style she employs but I have also gained respect for her work with the Mirasol project - found here: http://www.mirasolperu.com/thestartofthemirasolproject.htm Elsebeth Lavold
http://www.ingenkonst.se/textile.htm Ms. Lavold's designs stand out for their uniqueness, beauty and historical value. Her yarn is also quite good. I can speak to Silky wool and Hempathy - both are attractive, down to earth and quite comfortable to work with. |
Some of my favourite yarns
Noro makes this knitter so happy...Noro yarn I have used so far includes: Aura, Iro, Kuryeyon Sock, Silk Garden
All are lovely in terms of colour. Hand is not quite as nice as what Berrocco's baby alpaca or Colinette's parisienne is though. |
Colinette Parisienne YarnFickle knitter that I am, this also makes me happy! Creates a wonderfully light weight fabric and is very soft to the touch.
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Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca lightThis is quite possibly the most "comfortable and comforting" yarn I have used to date. It has an incredibly beautiful hand.
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