For me, the most thrilling part of this job/profession/craft is falling in love with a new yarn and finding the perfect project for it. I have fallen for Juniper Moon Farm’s “Moonshine” in a big way. It’s a worsted-weight wool/alpaca/silk blend that comes in stunning colors. Here’s the one I bought to make a model:
It’s a perfect red that has depth and vibrance due to the mixture of fibers. So what would you knit?
I’ve been searching for a week, considering this and that. The yarn is smooth to the touch and I could definitely wear it next to my skin, so I’d like a pullover as opposed to a cardigan. It has great stitch definition so I’d like some texture in the design. But the color is not casual so I don’t want a big slouchy piece. And my brain is still on summer speed, so I don’t want it too cable-y. I’d like it to fit and maybe be just a little bit sexy. My final decision was among these:
All these images are from Ravelry. Most of them were already in my favorites. I started with many more and eliminated them one by one. Some were too plain. I didn’t want a turtleneck for this sweater even though I love them. A few had pieced construction and, judging from the eye-rolling from our Clayton Mill Cardigan class, people don’t really want to do a lot of seaming. (Even though sometimes it makes a better sweater and every knitter should at least know how to do it well, even if you never do it! Lecture done.) (They did a great job, by the way, despite some quiet whining noises coming from the classroom.)
Anyway, I finally chose this:
It’s Brooklyn Tweed’s design called Seacoast. It’s seamless, top down, with just enough texture at the yoke to show off the yarn and enough mindless knitting to keep my summer brain happy. And do you not love this model???
One problem remained: the neckline was too wide. I want a little oomph, but the days when I could go bra-less are long gone, and the day I suffer through a strapless bra again will be in my next incarnation. After downloading the pattern and tying a tape measure around my shoulders to see what the neckline would really be like on me, I’m pretty sure I can tighten things up enough by casting on and working most of the first section of ribbing on a smaller needle. I’ll add 2-to-4 rows to make up for the shorter depth this will cause, then change to a larger needle for the rest of the yoke.
So, what would you knit? Go to our Facebook page, like us and post a comment with your idea. You’ll be entered to win 2 skeins of this beautiful color of Moonshine, almost 400 yards to do with what you will!
Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who came to our sale. You helped us pay for our vacation and make some room for new fall yarns. I hope you found some bargains! We’ll be keeping our summer yarns on sale through the end of July.
Also, we have found these:
a set of dog tags from Highland County Florida
and this earring
I’m off to swatch!
