INSIDE: My knitting & sewing updates and what’s next…
I’ve been mindful of using up the balls of different fibers I’ve got left over from past yarn tastings. I completed my Sophie Scarf by PetiteKnit in Andean Treasure (100% Baby Alpaca, DK weight) and have been wearing it regularly.
The popularity of this design surprised me. When I first saw it, it didn't inspire me to knit it, as I wasn't sure if I would wear a skinny scarf.
But this yarn's softness was perfect for my bare neck!
The i-cord edge on both sides looks great and the decreases and increases meld into the garter stitch. It’s a clever design and quick and fun to knit.
I had more yarn in my stash to use up: Palette (100% Peruvian Highland Wool, fingering weight.) Here are the notes from my yarn tasting:
My latest knitted swatch is in Palette yarn (the Finnley Heather colorway, fingering weight, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.)
I often wonder how they choose the color names and descriptions. Whoever writes them for Knit Picks does a wonderful job!
Here’s what they say about Finnley Heather:
“Finnley Heather is a complex mix of heathered greys that range from cream to a medium ash and taupe grey, along with subtle hints of a darker charcoal grey. Pairing together a warmer cream with a range of greys makes Finnley Heather the ideal, shade-shifting grey that works with a range of colors.”
The thin strand of Palette has tiny fibers that stick out. They show up more when the fabric isn’t washed or blocked.
Having just knitted with the CotLin, I noticed the difference in the feel of working with pure wool. It was rougher, but not unpleasantly so.
After washing and blocking my swatch, the pure wool fabric is delightful! I love how wool softens and blooms after washing and letting it dry flat.
Back then I was on the hunt for patterns…
I’m searching for patterns to use up the rest of the ball. There’s only 231 yards, so I’m going to have limited options. Any suggestions?
Recently I was looking through my digital knitting design collection and found a lace scarf by Asami Kawa. It’s called the Summer Stream Scarf (a free download on Ravelry).
I figured I could knit a short version with the rest of the Palette yarn. It’s going to end up a very short version! 🤣
I’ve got another small ball I created from unraveling the original swatch. It probably won’t be enough to match the other side's length. We’ll see!
I’m eager to see the lace design reveal its beauty after blocking. I’ve enjoyed working with this yarn. I adore the smell of pure wool. It’s a little rougher straight from the ball but when it’s washed and blocked, it softens.
And for those who’ve got in touch to ask about my secret baby blanket…
I was thrilled when I got the notification on my phone to say it arrived safely in the United States! I messaged my friend to ask her if she’d checked her mailbox and at that moment she’d not been out yet to collect the mail.
I asked her to go out and see if the package arrived.
The next message I got was my friend was holding the blanket in her arms. 😍😍 It filled my heart with joy to see she absolutely loved it!
My friend chose the colors, and I selected Knit Picks Mighty Stitch yarn in the colorways Mulberry and Cream. It’s a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% superwash wool, so it’s lovely and soft. And, it’s machine washable and dryable, which makes it easier for my friend to clean and dry the blanket.
I wanted to knit a mosaic design, and I found this blanket on Purl Soho’s website. I used US 8 (5.00mm) needles, and it knitted up splendidly.
I’m thrilled with how it turned out!
In keeping with the theme of using up yarn from previous projects, I’m going to knit a pillow cover with the rest of the Mighty Stitch yarns.
This time a stranded colorwork design which I’m hunting for.
And here’s the latest on my Chanterelle Pants project.
Wow! These pants are a labor of love! I’ve spent hours on my days off to sew my Chanterelle Pants. When I last updated you, I was up to cutting the pieces out of the fabric and the interfacing.
On my recent day off, I sewed the front and back pockets, then sewed them onto the front and back leg pieces. I was pleased with how they turned out.
I learned new skills about the finishes required for pockets using the interfacing for reinforcement.
As I worked through the instructions, memories of sewing tips my maternal grandmother (Mama) shared with me when I was little came flooding back.
I used bright colored thread sewn through the pattern piece, then in through the fabric pieces below. I cut the threads and removed the paper piece to mark the placements for the back pockets. It’s a nifty trick!
My youngest son (who’s a whizz at sewing) showed me the technique for sewing the crotch by putting one leg inside out and inserting that into the other leg that’s also turned inside out. Then lining up the two inside leg seams and sewing along the crotch. The technique is sewing wizardry!
Though it was hard to focus on following his instructions with my husband in the background singing ‘you put one leg in, and one leg out…’ 😂
The next step is to add in the elastic for the waistband and add the cuffs to the bottom of the legs.
I’ll forever more appreciate the time and effort taken for handmade pants!
Will I finish these pants before my next Fiber Friday? That’s my aim because I’m keen to wear them! 😉
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And another question for you: Do you celebrate the completion of your projects in any special way?
Beautiful blanket Jodie! I’ve always loved that pattern. It’s going to be cherished for years to come. I love knit picks palette. My sweater is now 2 years old and I can say it ages beautifully too. Well done on the pants! I very vaguely remember using that technique when I sewed “salwar” type pants years ago for my daughter. 😃
Beautiful blanket Jodie! I’ve always loved that pattern. It’s going to be cherished for years to come. I love knit picks palette. My sweater is now 2 years old and I can say it ages beautifully too. Well done on the pants! I very vaguely remember using that technique when I sewed “salwar” type pants years ago for my daughter. 😃