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. |
On to the next project. I'll be brief with the other items, as I seem to have gotten a bit wordy on the sweater. I have been working on the Traveling Woman shawl for a little under a month. I've named mine the Mysterious Shawl, because every time I try to photograph it, the colors come out different. I'm never quite sure what it's going to look like. I'm using Dream in Color Everlasting Sock in Tidewater, which was a splurge purchase at Loopy Yarns in Chicago. I typically aim for lower cost yarns, but I love the colors, and I love that it is made so close to home, in West Chicago. I'm getting close to completion, with only 10 rows, cast-off, and blocking left to do. I love seeing the leaves take shape, and it's keeping the lace section interesting to work on.
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| A close-up of the little lace leaves. |
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| It's growing a bit wider with every row! |
My last recent knitting thing is actually a Finished Object. It's already in the mail to a good friend. I've made lots of the stretchy Grrlfriend Market Bags. It's a great way to use up excess cotton yarn. This is my 5th one, and there's more planned for gifting. Here's all of the made-to-date Knitted Lisa Bags.
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| Sam's stretchy bag, now en route! |
That's it for now! I'll be back soon with updates, new projects, new topics, and of course weird cat stories!
Grrrr, wrote a comment and when I hit publish it disappeared. I have 2 kitties that like to "help" knit. I have some very bold variegated yarn that wants to be in stockinet stitch, I'm going to try the Traveling Woman. Will also try your suggestion to co 9 sts. The yarn is from Sweetgeorgia cash luxe fine color is Snapdragon.
ReplyDeleteI looked that yarn up, it looks gorgeous! Our kitties always need to supervise. I've been lucky that they haven't destroyed anything, but Linus does like to steal and hide yarn balls, as well as attempt to use my working yarn as dental floss. Everything stays in project bags or on shelves unless it's in use!
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