Finished Objects
At the end of October I had knit up a hat with my first hand spun yarn, and there was no exact pattern, just came up with it as I went. The idea was to create a slouchy/beret type hat, but what was created instead was really ugly. Since I didn't want to see nor keep the eye sore the yarn was re-used on a new hat which is between a slouchy and a toque. It was inspired by Simple Pleasures Hat by Purl Soho. The pattern is a free download on Ravelry.com.
This was one of those instances where doing a swatch came in handy.
For those who don't know what a gauge swatch its a way of finding out if the yarn you were planning to use on a project will work for what you have in mind or not and it also helps you figure out if the needle size you are using will help you knit up the right size for your project. You would need to knit a 6 square inches, even though you will only be measuring the centre 4 square inches it's always best if you make it 6 inches, also note that the square would have to knit it in pattern (as in you use the exact type of stitch or pattern as the pattern calls for). Once you have that done measure 4 square inches and count the number of stitches and rows and divide those numbers by 4. This way you can get the stitches and rows per inch. Also before you start your project don't forget to wash you swatch as you intend to was the finished project, this way you will be able to see how the fabric drapes and how the yarn works with the project at hand.
Going back to my project I used my first hand spun in a 50% Merino, 50% Welsh top using a size 10 1/2 US (6.5mm) double pointed needles.
Works In Progress
I currently have a couple of projects on the needles. I'm working on the Dragon's Egg Socks by Anne Podlesak and the pattern may be found in the Unofficial Harry Potter magazine. The socks are being knit using a size 1US (2.5mm) with the Online Supersocke 100 in the colourway #1321. The first sock is about halfway done, but I'm going to try and get it done before the end of November.
I've also started to knit a hat for my mother, using the Etoile pattern by Drops Design and size 6US (4.0mm) needles. The yarn being used is Cascade 220 in the 9336. Not much has been done at this point only the casting on.
Stash and Equipment Enhancements
A few things have been acquired since the last post. For one I couldn't resist and purchased an actual project bag. It was purchased at the Zig Zag Stitches booth but you may also purchase Zig Zag Bags on Etsy.com. I choose what I would classify as a medium sized bag. It appears to be layered with canvas between the outside and the lining to give it some sturdiness and also to prevent any knitting needles poking through.
Also purchased was 12 ounces of Corriedale from Crow Hill Farm of Kawartha Lakes in Ontario. This fibre has not bee prepared, but that's okay.
I also got a pound of alpaca, this particular alpaca is named Thistle. I can't the name of the farm the fibre came from but I will try to find the business card and post it.
I also bought 200 grams of Corriedale in the Autumn Dusk and an Ashford flick carter from Gemini Fibres.
The last bit of fibre that I got was a braid of 4.1oz (118 grams) from Fullin' Woolens in the Chameleon colourway, it is hand dyed 80% merino and 20% silk.
And finally my only yarn purchase was a self-stripping by Desert Vista Dyeworks in the Emeralds, Sapphires & Prince colourway, its out of a 75% merino and 25% nylon blend in a fingering weight. The yarn was purchased from The Wool Boutique.
Until next time...happy knitting, crocheting and spinning...
