Surprisingly, I did NOT cast on anything new in February. Instead I worked on my two newest projects - Wildwoods Sweater and Double Edged Shawl. I may have snuck in a few rows of my Garter Squish blanket too.
I am now onto the sleeves of the Wildwoods Sweater (designed by Kristen Finlay and available to buy on Ravelry). It's so light and fluffy. I'm using Rowan Alpaca Classic and I think it'll be a lovely warm-weather top. As long time followers will know I have a problem with finishing sleeves, so I will follow my own advice and knit two sleeves at a time (using two sets of needles).
Hopefully this will mean the sweater will be finished in time for the shop reopening.
I have already finished one project - the Double Edged Shawl.
This is the first shop sample in the new Kinross 4ply from Wee County Yarns. I really enjoyed working with the yarn. It has a crispness but it also softens when handled so you get an idea of how the fabric will feel once washed. I was not disappointed - it softens and drapes beautifully once 'finished'.
This is the sample to see once the shop reopens!
Double Edged Shawl by Clare Hutchinson available to buy on Ravelry
Blocking took a bit of time as you have two different edges to pin out. One with points (I used pins) and one a smooth wave (I used a wire). It didn't look as even as I would have liked but I forced myself to stop fussing and leave it. And I think it came it really well. The fabric has relaxed but held its shape. You can read more about the shawl in the Gallery here.
I am thinking of knitting a small Eyelet Shawl too (it only needs one hank!) but I'm also about to cast on another project using Kinross 4ply. Duet is a simple short sleeved t-shirt by Kristen Finlay (who also designed Wildwoods - I love it when I 'discover' a designer and find a whole range of designs I like!)
I think the Kinross 4ply will make a lovely lightweight garment and the colours are perfect for colour blocking. I've chosen Seashell and Highland Cow which are quite similar to the designer's choice.
Although I didn't cast on anything in February I have cast on three small projects in March!
The first is another scrappy sock showing off our Mini Ball Bag kit. Kits will be back in stock at the end of March - new bags and some new ball shades. In the meantime if you'd like to knit a scrappy sock using mini balls you can buy them individually here or you could just use leftover sock yarn.
My handknit socks usually weight about 60g, so I'm using 6 mini balls. Although I'm tempted to add some neon toes using Socks Yeah 4ply.
I also took a notion to a hot water bottle cover in the new stripey shades of Colourlab from WYS. I'm using my go to pattern All You Need by LondonLeo. This is a free pattern written for aran or DK yarn. It also includes a 'recipe' so you can use a different thickness and hot water bottle size.
I've knitted lots of these. Last year I used WYS Croft aran and in the past I've made a stranded colourwork design using Jamieson's Heather aran and a motif from Kate Davies Snawpaws design. I think I even made a faux fur one! If you're looking to get a head start on gift knitting I would highly recommend the pattern.
It does start with a seamless cast on - Judy's Magic Cast On - which gives a seamless start to the cover before you increase the base to the full width. You could just cast on as normal and sew it up but it is quite magical how it works. I used this excellent video from Very Pink Knits.
My final new cast on is Kellister by Gudrun Johnston using Jamieson's Spindrift 4ply.
This is a new shop sample and it has knitted up very quickly. It's a very different colour combo for me... possibly too subtle? I've used Atlantic, Scotch Broom, Eesit/White and Rose. But I'm at the stage where I just need to finish it to see!
While sorting through photos I put together this grid of previous coffee table WiPs. I think perhaps every table needs a Zauber Flower cake!
(If you have difficulty accessing patterns on Ravelry, please get in touch and I'll try to help)
