My newest project is my Owls Sweater - Purple Edition! I'm of course using the wildly popular Owls sweater pattern by Kate Davies. I made one in gray last year, and loved it so much I think it's time for a repeat. The first one I made out of Knit Picks Brava Bulky in Cobblestone Heather. It's a quite nice 100% acrylic yarn to work with. It has a much softer feel than many acrylics, and is very comfortable to wear. Since it was also my first adult-sized sweater, I didn't want to break the bank with any fancy yarn, in case something went wrong or I didn't like it. And using acrylic yarn means it's also safe to go on a washer and dryer ride if needed. I had previously used Brava Worsted for a baby sweater and matching accessories, so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with its quality.
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| The gray edition. And of course Linus is "helping" me model. |
For my next Owls, I'm using another Knit Picks brand, Wool of the Andes Bulky in Blackberry. This is a 100% wool. While it isn't the absolute softest, I still believe it's cozy enough for a close-fitting sweater like this. And it was only about $25 to get enough yardage for my sweater, so the price is certainly hard to beat. It is hand-wash only though, so it will have to get special sink treatment when it comes time to wash it. I love the color! If you know me, it's blatantly obvious that purple is my favorite color, and this shade of purple is absolutely perfect to me. Maybe I should have chosen a different color, since a considerable portion of my wardrobe is purple already... but whatever. I like it.
In addition to trying out new yarn, I'm also trying new needles. I've had the Boye circular needles set for ages, but I'm not 100% happy with them. The cables are fairly inflexible, the needles don't like to stay tight, and if they are tightened too much, they have a rude tendency to flare out at the base, leaving sharp edges for yarn to get caught on. For the $15 I paid for it, I'm not too upset about it. But I'm ready to try something different. So I picked up the sizes of tips and cables needed from Knit Picks, and figured this would be a good test run so I can consider getting the entire set eventually. The full set would run me $50, plus another $40 or so to eventually to get some extra cables, connectors, and the 13, 15, and 17 needle sizes that aren't included in the set. Maybe I'll add it to my Christmas Wish List! I really like them, at least from the little amount of time I've been working with them. The joins between needle and cable are very smooth, and the cable is very flexible and never in the way. The needle tips are nice and sharp, and stitches slip off nicely. And Knit Picks has great customer service, so I know that if something breaks or doesn't work right, they will stand by their product and offer a refund or replacement.
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| New yarn, new needles, a free project bag, and a favorite pattern. |
So far, I've gotten about three inches done. I cast on and have gotten the ribbing bottom border done, as well as an inch into the stockinette. I'm in the middle of the waist decreases now. That's one thing I love about working with bulky yarn and bigger needles - instant progress gratification! It seems like the stitches just fly off the needles.
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| Doesn't look like a sweater yet, but this gives you an idea of what the awesome coloring is. |
