Decisions, decisions!

Yarn swatches, color samples, ideas... Oh my!

Feb 23, 2024

INSIDE: My latest yarn exploration adventures, letting go of unhelpful notions, something I can’t wait to share more of + the delight of fiber blends.

I’ve been crocheting with the Nepalese recycled silk yarn my Mum gifted me for Christmas in a simple double crochet stitch circle.

The colors are vibrant and plentiful. The fine threads, spun together, have short threads sticking out from the strand.

As I’ve got 3 large balls, I’m going to create a rug!

I researched online to find out more about it. Yarns like these are made in women's co-ops in Nepal, and the materials come from the remnant pieces from making sari fabric. It's 100% silk, 100% handmade.

These threads are hand spun into a strand. It’s quite sturdy, and it's more like twine than yarn. Reusing materials that would previously been seen as textile waste is excellent and I’m all for more sustainable yarns.

This type of yarn would lend itself to weaving, I imagine.

I’m using my Furls Pisces Streamline Zodiac hook in I (5.5mm) that I love. I use the knife grip to crochet with my hand wrapped around the handle.

I find the design of Furls hook handles super comfortable, and it’s so light and beautiful to look at. It’s dark navy blue with silver swirls.

I’ve been exploring the designs by Summer Lee in her book The Sock Project. It was sent to me by the publishers and I’ll talk more about it next week!

There are some fabulous patterns and I’m still deciding which ones I’ll try out.

I’ve been looking for a mohair silk blend where the silk used is cruelty free.

One of the yarn shops I visited in Sydney has Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair which is cruelty free. (I found that out via the brand’s Instagram reel.)

The description said: the silk fibers are collected from cocoons after the caterpillars are allowed to mature into moths and escape. This means the silk worms are not killed in the process, as they are in conventional silk production.

I’ll use this in

Kavitha

’s Low Key Scarf pattern when there’s more stock 🙂

I’ve still not decided on the other yarn to hold with the silk mohair.

Kavitha used a blend of Alpaca/Polyamide. I love the Black Wattle Farm yarns I’ve used in previous projects, so I’m thinking perhaps their Grevillia Lux (60% Superwash Merino, 20% Superfine Alpaca and 20% Nylon.)

The Norma Sweater pattern released earlier this week.

In the lead up to the release, I was taken with the colorwork design and its relaxed fit. It looks like you’d never take it off because of the comfort factor!

When it released, I started doubting whether it’s for me. The model is much younger, and I thought, am I too old to wear this design?

I sat with that discomfort for a while, trying to assess what thoughts were going through my head. I felt I’d been sucked into societal expectations for women, that is, they need to ‘dress appropriately’ for their age.

Good grief! Such social conditioning!

So I had a strong word with myself and said I can wear whatever I like and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks! What I think is what matters.

I chatted with my eldest son about this and his response was “the only thing you’re too old for is a bib, as you’re quite capable of eating without slopping it all over yourself!” He made me laugh out loud!

As did this from my dearest friend “oooh that’s a beautiful look! You’re not too old at all. I mean, Jodie, it’s a turtleneck! LOL.”

My search for a baby blanket continues. By golly, there are so many incredible patterns to choose from. It’s overwhelming!

The other thing to consider is what the parents like and if they have any preferences for color. I’m yet to ask them.

I’ve been swatching with yarn samples from Knit Picks.

I’ve tried out their Woodland Tweed Bare (80% Merino Wool, 15% Baby Alpaca, 5% Viscose) which is an Aran weight yarn.

I’m keen to make something with this yarn. I love the natural cream color with the flecks of black. After knitting my Flow Tee with Alba Organic Cotton yarn, the wool fibers felt so good to knit with!

Then I knitted up the sample of Knit Picks Capretta (80% Fine Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere and 10% Nylon.)

Again the yarn felt delightful in my hands. Both fabrics are so soft and squishy. I have a fondness for merino wool, alpaca and cashmere. 🙂

And another question for you: What fiber blend are you most fond of? Why?

Press reply or leave a comment!

Mystery Quote Of The Week

“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”

Who said this? Comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊

(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)

Last week’s answer was… Marie Segares!

Comment below if you got it right.

Crafting Trivia Question Of The Week

Who invented interchangeable knitting needles?

What’s the answer? Leave a comment or press reply! No cheating! 😊

(You’ll find out if you were correct next week.)

Last week’s answer to: what is a Gansey?

Congratulations to

Jane Stevenor

who gave a great explanation of what Ganseys are thanks to her reading Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel.

As she said:

“A gansey, also known as a guernsey, is a sweater typically worn by fishermen from the islands around Britain and up the coast (I think). They have a unique construction that allows for arms movements, they are textured and some knitted their initials on the bottom.”

Did you get it right? Leave a comment if you did!