It used to be fairly easy to plan my knitting: Go to the store, find the pattern, find the yarn and get the needles. Not so hard, right? Then I started to buy yarn to make things down the road. Keeping track of it all got complicated, especially when my yarn acquisition began to grow out of proportion to the speed of my knitting. I acquired so much yarn for so many projects, and forgot just what I owned. Now I've added the step of spinning so that I can make the yarn for the projects I dream about. The Creamsicle yarn is almost all spun up, but not completely. That hasn't kept me from dreaming about what it wants to be once it's done. I'm hoping to be less of a fiber stasher when it comes to the spinning, but I won't hold my breath. You shouldn't, either.
I made a swatch of Creamsicle with 3 different needle sizes just to see what it knit up like. Instead of individual swatches, I use one and just graduate my needle size, separating them with a purl row. At the bottom of the swatch in the picture below, I used a US size 8 = too dense. The middle was a US size 10 = meh. The top was a US size 9 and looks just right. About 4.5 stitches to the inch. Perfect for any one of these patterns. I think I'll have enough handspun for whichever I decide to make. I may be a tad bit lace fatigued right now, so the bolero is striking my fancy. I do love that tank pictured at the top and the vest right below.
I'm also going to start my Christmas project planning. I know exactly what I want to make from Nicky Epstein's book, but I won't show the pictures in case any recipients may be looking. Let's just say the pattern will involve felting Kidsilk Haze with nuts and rubber bands. In case the pattern doesn't turn out as intended, I can always eat the nuts.
I'm working hard to finish the shawl in time to submit it for judging at the Michigan State Fair, but I have had some stitch count issues that are slowing me down a bit. It must have been from knitting this complicated work of art and simultaneously watching the Wings lose. Damn them. It's their fault. When I'm mostly done with that, I need to knit the squares for the afghan and then my calendar will be free to knit and spin whatever strikes my fancy.
9 comments:
It becomes addictive, no matter how hard you try! The felting sounds intriguing, can't wait to see how that turns out
"I can always eat the nuts" LOL
When is the Michigan State Fair? I am thinking blue ribbon, baby!
Skippy, the fair is the last 2 weeks of August, but I have until August 6th to submit my work.
I like the first one, but they are all very pretty. I have gotten the knitting addiction now, thanks to a blogger friend that shall remain nameless. Whenever I am in a bookstore, craft store, I meander over towards the yarn/knitting areas, and wonder why. I already have more than I will ever use. I guess there is just something about that next exciting project just waiting for us.
Nuts & elastics? Sounds pretty kinky! Of course, I'll have to get the book now...curiosity is a powerful thing! My vote is for the bolero...its kind of sassy - in a nice way.
It is an addicting Miss and Brenda.
This particular felting book is full of the most clever ideas for felting.
Your handspun looks great.The top pic looks like a cool pattern.
I'm sorry about the Wings.
I love these projects. They all look beautiful. Of course I love the hair style of the model so that could affect me.
You are my inspiration!! I sure hope you can finish in time for the fair :)
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