One of the things I love best about summer in the yarn biz is that all the yarn makers and distributors have new yarns to try out. This year, because of the pandemic, many have sent out samples of their lovely yarns (instead of sales reps) to LYS’s. I take full advantage of these samples because the only way to know whether a yarn is as good as it looks in the ball (or maybe lots better than it looks) is to knit with it.
For instance, this ball of yarn:
I ignored it at first, for all the reasons that we ignore yarn (and clothing, furniture, and other products): This combination of colors and textures just didn’t appeal to me. After the rep (via Zoom) mentioned it again and showed me a photo of a hat, I reconsidered and decided to swatch. It’s fun and interesting and would make a really cute hat, scarf, or cowl in no time. (well, not no time, but you know what I mean. I’m working on a sport-weight sweater so anything less than weeks and weeks is essentially no time.) So here’s the swatch, in stockinette then garter:
I liked it and bought it (in different colorways).
I don’t know about you but all I want right now is the prettiest, loveliest, beautifulest, gorgeousest stuff to work with and then wear. I’m looking for some indulgence – a bit of luxury, wonderful colors, super-soft fibers and preferably all three – cannot wait for the new yarns to arrive!
You’ll be as glad as I am to know that my obsession with this scarf – Star Lord –
is finally satisfied. I made it again
with a better cast-on (German Twisted, for anyone who is interested) and bind-off (our normal stretchy bind-off) and I’m done. It was very interesting to make, the finished product is unique, and other than the start and the finish, the pattern was very explicit with helpful pictures and links. Finis.
Our good friend Jettie Hunt, who moved to South Carolina last year, keeps in touch. Here is her finished Cranberry Capelet, which Deb taught 2 seasons ago. It’s a practical and pretty piece for mild winters!
And here is one of her adorable Fancy Hens, looking very happy to be out in the garden:
Karen taught this class a while back – a really fun way to learn Fair Isle techniques.
We’re discussing classes for fall; it will be so much fun to get started again. And we have an exciting project coming – hope I’ll be able to let you know the details next week! Meanwhile, have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
