Cowly

Delicious: that's what I'd like to say about my fab new cowl. There was a time when I thought these amputated turtlenecks were weird but I am a convert. I love my cowl.


Pattern: Cowl from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Materials: Cashmere sock yarn from Hipknits, purchased at Loop in London, size 4 circular Addi Natura needles.
Modifications: Yarn substitution.

This is the perfect transition scarf when you don't need your neck fully swaddled but want a little something to keep out the wind.

And just in case I haven't raved enough about the yarn, let me say it again: love the color, love the hand, love the post-wash feel of this yarn. Plus, it goes on and on and on - look at this wad I have left! Does a girl need two cowls? She just might...

In the Land of Stockinette

Knit. Knit. Knit. Knit. Knit.
Purl. Purl. Purl. Purl. Purl.

I do try to make only interesting things, but sometimes I strand myself in a land of stockinette. I've got nothing against stockinette. In fact, the reason I get stranded is that I love its simplicity, its smooth finish, the neat little V's... but a girl does begin to long for a cable, yarnover or twisted stitch every now and again. Alas, it's all knit for the moment. At least it goes quickly.

First up is the cashmere cowl. Here she is perched in the office window. This is my subway project and it's a perfect commuting endeavor. Heck, I don't even have to purl! I just knit around in circles while attempting not to doze off. The yarn is delightful and the cowl is growing at a respectable pace (it's actually grown since this shot). I think I'm about halfway done.

The next item is Arwen. She waits for me at home on the couch. I'm about 6" into the back and done with one ball of yarn (only 13 more to go! Gray yarn be gone!). At least Arwen includes the excitement of purling the wrong side - wahoo!

My secret white project is also stockinette. It's been occupying quite a bit of knitting time but unfortunately it's secret. Maybe it's not such a loss though - how much stockinette can a blog bear, and white stockinette is surely off the spectrum of boring!

Tomorrow: the fun little sewing projects I whipped up this weekend and a completely stockinette-free post.

Cowl me

I've got cowl on the brain. Once upon a time I thought these things were weird and useless but now I must have one, and pronto.

Fortunately, I've got just the yarn for the job: delicious cashmere sock yarn I picked up at Loop in London. When I put it on the swift for winding I became skeptical... the colors seemed clumped together and the yarn had sort of a crispy texture (which was hard to feel in the skein because it was twisted up very tightly). Things did not look promising. Silly, silly me - the yarn cake is a delight and the swatches are even better! The colors knit up nicely without a pool in sight. Of course, it remains to be seen if this continues across 130 stitches rather than 30, but I am optimistic.

I had originally earmarked this yarn for the lace cowl from The Purl Bee, but things were not gelling (note that color in this photo is way off). I started it on 6's, which were too big for the job, and in any event I didn't feel the lace showcased the yarn color or texture; it was all a muddle. The yarn is pretty enough to be featured in something simple and elegant, so I returned to the straight-forward cowl in Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

I swatched with needles 5, 4 and 3 (4 and 3 were in one swatch) and then gave them a Eucalan bath. I know it's been said time and time again, but I am a believer: Wash. Your. Swatch. People. The linen-y quality disappeared, the yarn became buttery soft and each stitch plumped up beautifully. The swatches also grew about half a stitch per inch. I decided on the 4's, but didn't have a pair of circular 4's in the right length so I had to order them and wait impatiently.

Now that they've arrived I have a new commuting project and soon a snuggly new cowl!

Hats in action

Baby B got his new hat today. As soon as his mom opened the door I knew it would be too big... and it is. I knit the ear flaps upwards of the brim so he could turn that up and get a little more wear out of it. I think he likes it.

And Mama V graciously donned the Fishtrap hat for a little photo shoot in the West Village. Now if only it would get cold enough so I could wear the hat.

In other news, I've been taking advantage of my days off to hit some of the new and not-so-new yarn stores around the City. Last night it was Knitty City on the Upper West Side. I had heard good things about this place and they were true! Cute store, nice sales people and a broad selection of stuff. I browsed for a good long time and no one bugged me. I just had to take this home - Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Leaf. The picture does not communicate the depth of color, despite my and my camera's best efforts - the name is about right. It's like the richest pine tree you ever saw. A velvet pine tree. What I will do with it is unknown. As I've mentioned, I'm not the biggest sock fan. It will have to be something though...

I am also up for a little stash-busting this week. First on the list is this little beastie that I got from School Products at Stitches East this year:

Delicious udon-noodle-fat cashmere. It will be a hat. (Note: I have not worn one hat yet this season but will now have knit two.)

And this is one of the gems of the collection. Hand-dyed cashmere sock yarn from Loop in London. First off, this place is good fun - go if you have the chance. It's adorable and well-stocked. This yarn is by Hip Knits. Since I have no great love for socks I knew this was destined for something else. I've decided on the Lace Cowl from The Purl Bee. I think it will go smashing with my new cream hat repertoire. PS: The yardage on this is insane! 500 meters! Hurray!

Tomorrow: Hopefully a finished apron.