• Starts and Stops

    sneak peek

    Binding off.

    This week I worked on this scarf – it’s really simple, but I like it a lot! It’s similar to Just Enough Ruffles, so I’m hoping that those of you who liked JER will like this one too! It was super quick – worsted weight and 5.5mm needles is a heck of a lot faster than anything else I’m working on at the moment. I’m hoping to get some photos this weekend and release the pattern next week!

    ripped.

    Unfortunately, not everything went so well this week. I started this sweater back in January but it hasn’t been getting any love and the pretty yarn deserves better. I ripped it out.

    swatchy swatchy

    A little bit of swatching + my first Wollmeise.

    Other bits of randomness:

    • My latest post at Craftsy is up: Essential Hand Spinning Supplies.
    • If you’re headed to the Knitter’s Frolic this weekend, there’s a gift certificate for my patterns to be won at the raffle table! Note that the marketplace is Saturday only.
    • Reading: MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood. I couldn’t really work yesterday because my arm was feeling really sore, so I cuddled up on the couch with my duvet (the bed was occupied with blocking items) and read half of it. So good.
    • Watching: House, on Netflix. I’ve watched most of it before but I didn’t watch the last season, so I’m just working through the end. Oh House.

  • New Pattern: Laurentian

    Laurentian

    Hey, it’s a new (and actually seasonally appropriate) pattern! Laurentian is a swingy, springy cardigan-shrug hybrid. The ribbed back and shoulders are worked as a top-down, seamless raglan shrug with short rows to shape the curved back hem. Then stitches are picked up all the way around for the garter and drop stitch pattern that forms the fronts and collar.

    Laurentian

    The ribbing helps with a nice secure fit across the back and sleeves, and the drapey fronts look great open or closed.

    Laurentian

    Laurentian

    The yarn I used, Dessimo by Julie Asselin, is sadly discontinued. Here’s a list of other yarns I think would be great for this sweater – this list is by no means exhaustive, there are so many options! You’ll be looking for a yarn that has some good drape (wool or a blend with alpaca, silk, or plant fibres), and around 145 yds / 50g skein (290 yds per 100g, 330 yds per 115g).

    Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light
    Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton
    Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport or Sportmate
    Cascade Venezia sport
    Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo
    Manos Serena or Silk Blend
    Malabrigo Arroyo or Silky Merino
    madelinetosh Pashmina or Tosh Sport
    Indigodragonfly has some of this type of base as well, in the same huge 250g skeins!

    $6.50 CAD

    Fave and Queue on Ravelry!
    More details on the pattern page.

    Laurentian

  • Monday Things

    panoply of peacocks

    I started a new quick project with some Alisha Goes Around worsted weight that’s been marinating in my stash for years. This awesome green is a little tough to photograph, but I think it’ll turn out nicely.

    crab stitchin'

    My crocheted blanket is finally done! I did a couple rounds of double crochet, then a round of crab stitch around the whole thing. Just needs a bath.

    Aaaaaaand, guess what! I’m now a Craftsy blog writer!

    Check out my first post! It’s the first in a series of Spinning Basics. Great info to know whether you’re an experienced spinner or just starting out. I’m really excited to be writing for Craftsy, and I hope you’ll check out the blog!

    craftsy_writer_badge