Sunday, December 20, 2009

Strange Magic

The thing about ELO is that once you get a tune in your head, it won't go away until you listen to the song. Over and over. I felt that way about Turn to Stone when I posted it up here with my kidney stone post. Now I feel that way about, "Strange Magic."

Bear with me...

I've been looking on Ravelry at the pattern for French Press Felted Slippers for about 2 months now. Though I'm excessively foolish about the yarn I buy, I'm tight when it comes to buying patterns. I prefer to buy patterns in books since I get more bang for my buck. $20 may buy me 20 patterns. Hello? The slipper pattern was $7 and I was reluctant to buy it until I read the Harlot's post about the slippers she made. Friday, I took the plunge, bought the pattern and the yarn and dove right in. It took about 300 yards or so of Rowan's Cocoon, a merino and mohair blend in a lovely charcoal color called, Mountain. Though the Harlot says it took her only 90 minutes to knit these up, it took me significantly longer. Let's blame it on the Vicodin, shall we? I knit and unknit these slippers more times than I can count.

I make an pathetic stoner.


The hazelnut scarf aside, with my most recent forays into felting (I ruined 300 yards of handspun in an attempt to felt slippers from a cheaper different pattern), I wasn't hopeful for the slippers, but I took the enormous sized knitted product, said a prayer and threw them in the top loader. Having learned that hot water is a huge part of felting success, I'd cranked the hot water heater to the setting, VERY HOT, and let the machine do the work.

After the 4th full agitation cycle, I have the felting magic I was looking for, but the color? Completely threw me! I wasn't expecting the mohair to be the prominent fiber that would take the deep charcoal yarn to a completely different level. Very strange, indeed.


Once again, I'm smitten with felting and have the second pair on my needles. This time, I'm trying Cascade 220, because while I love what the Cocoon did in the wash, my wallet isn't that impressed.

Since this seems the week for finishing up knit goods, here's my last felting success:


Kidsilk Haze bubble scarf sans nuts.

And since I've probably put the tune in your head, here's a little ELO...


19 comments:

Rose said...

I saw that pattern awhile back too, and was so surprised to read YH's post about them. Yours look great; can't wait to hear how they turn out using Cascade. And I love, love, love the scarf!

Anonymous said...

Ah, ELO--they were the first "real" concert I ever say, opening for ABBA.

Celia said...

Were you expecting the finished product to be more charcoal? If so, is it possible to dye it charcoal. I love how they look anyway. Awww man! You took the nuts out.

Gail said...

Warm and beautiful, how can you beat that? I love hand made slippers, they seem so much warmer that the ones you buy in the store.

The scarf is awesome. I envy your talents and your tenacity.

SkippyMom said...

I have a bunch of ELO on my playlist on my blog. I love it.

Mr. Blue Sky is my fav'.

Quiltluver said...

I love that scarf. The colors are gorgeous, and I like the way the scalloped edges turned out. Karen

Joanna said...

Yes, felting is so cool. I love the way things change Rudee. It almost (but not quite) makes me want to knit. Glad you're feeling better.

Stephanie V said...

Those are great. I love the color. I was tempted by those pretty mary jane slippers, too! I do have a felted slipper pattern that hasn't been used yet - maybe I'll be good and do that. My daughter uses the Cascade on her felted slippers and it is just perfect.

Darci said...

The slippers are very cute!

debra said...

Love the scarf---especially with out the nuts (why does that sound dirty !)
xo

Anonymous said...

Well, old lady here now knows who ELO is. I put that in the crossword puzzle all the time not knowing a thing about it. Now I know. I liked it. You know I was raising kid when they were just out, I guess.
QMM

Rositta said...

That is bizarre Rudee, I too bought that pattern on Friday but it costs me more in Canadian bucks. I used Patons Classic wool for mine. Because I'm cheap and didn't want to waste hot water and electricity felting the darn things I waited until I also finished knitting a Bucket Hat with Noro Kureyon. I'm felting tomorrow. Now I just have to find something for the soles so they don't slip and slide..ciao

Far Side of Fifty said...

Hi Rudee, Just stopping by to say Hi..I hope you passed that stone..I would just as soon birth about a dozen babies than one stone..drink water with Lemon..or some low cal lemonade..I like Crystal Light.
Hard to believe that Flydragon is gone..she was a good friend..:)

Kathleen said...

Oh, wow...the slippers and the scarf are fantastic! I love how the mohair made itself so prominent. And the scarf looks like another prize winner. Do you have the cutest darn feet or what?!

clairedulalune said...

Loving the cozy slippers Rudee! Love a bit of ELO too!

Brenda said...

If these are all gifts, they are really nice ones. I am still trying to conquer a decent pair of socks. My husband used to love ELO.

laurie said...

so--is your kidney stone gone? are you feeling better? those slippers are lovely. and how hilwarious that you have to knit them so gigantic to begin with.

LR Photography said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Enjoy the season!

Miss T said...

Cute and cute!