Happy October! The weather is fabulous, pumpkins are on porches and in our coffee, leaves are turning, apples are fresh and crisp, and knitters are in their element. Cool mornings are perfect for sweaters and it’s time to say hello to them again, see what’s there and what’s missing from your cold weather wardrobe.
Do you get the feeling that people are ready to dress up a little again? We’ve been slouching around in leggings and hoodies for so long, do we even remember what it’s like to put on something beautiful and possibly stand out from the crowd a little? To have some regard for our things, to care for them and about them, to love them for the way they make us feel? Do we need one more cheap t-shirt that will fade and fall apart in a couple washings, or would it be kind of wonderful to have one or two handmade tees that, yes, need some care in washing, but just get better and fit better over time? I’m not immune to wanting something new and immediate. We’ve all gotten sadly used to the flimsy plastic fabrics and poor tailoring of garments that are still too expensive until they’re discounted – 40%, 50%, 70% off. We buy, and buy, and buy, and the stuff is still not worth the discounted price. It’s bad for us and bad for the world. It’s something I ponder.
Okay, rant over. Let’s talk about yarn!
Dream in Color’s October Pop-up Color couldn’t be more seasonal. Look at this array and tell me it doesn’t make you think of colorful leaves, Red Delicious apples, farm fields turning to gold:
I couldn’t resist pairing these skeins up with our other colors of Smooshy Cashmere:
I have a vision of a lovely soft two-color shawl, like Therapy by Laura Aylor: (She uses 3 colors but there’s no need.)
or Albuquerque Sunset from Casapinka:
I’ve made both these shawls and they’re very pleasurable to knit, nothing too strenuous but things change from time-to-time so it’s not boring. They’re both a good size: not huge and unmanageable, but large enough to add an extra layer of warmth when you need it. I’m envisioning Therapy over a wonderful burgundy coat that I don’t yet own. In my head, this coat is a single-breasted wool, with a lovely lining and a collar that can stand up if it needs to, a moderate a-line, and 3/4 length. And I would need to see it in person, try it on, and feel the fabric. Don’t want a puffy down or polyester-filled quilted jacket. Do they make coats like that anymore? Oh, well, at least I know the shawl is achievable!
We also received Noro’s new chunky yarn called Rikka. It’s wool, alpaca and silk, and I bought it in four subtle colorways. One giant ball made this very cozy scarf, shown doubled below:
The slip-stitch cable (free pattern with purchase) is fun to do – no cable needle required – and it moves along on size 11 needles. Terrific gift for someone special!
More new stuff next time!
