Stash Spinning: Merino

Back in 2019, my husband gifted me with four ounces of Paradise Fibers Merino in colorway Rust. I am spinning my “go to” handspun: two ply, fingering weight. I decided to practice spinning on my e-spinner. Somedays we have misunderstandings (it’s her attitude, really) and some days we spin along like besties (usually during happy hours).

I have half of the top yet to spin. If the stars align and yardage is appropriate, I would like to knit a Mara shawl . Wish me luck; it is very rarely that I have immediate plans for handspun.

PS: the free shawl pattern can be downloaded directly from the Madelinetosh website.

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Feeling content…

I have been going with the flow lately; starting as many projects as I want. Being inspired by materials and feeling content with all my WIPs.

This week I started the Reyna shawl in my own handspun. I don’t know the exact yardage on hand but my gut tells me it will be enough for a decent size shawl. This free pattern is perfect for variegated yarns. Mine is creating some stripes which I am enjoying while they last. If it starts pooling in a way I dislike, I plan to alternate balls of yarn.

Note: the following are Ravelry links – do not click on them if the website causes any discomfort or sickness.

• Pattern: Reyna by Noora Backlund (free on Ravelry)
• Yarn: Handspun Merino | Light fingering | Spun in 2014
• Project page: here

There are almost 14,000 Reyna shawls posted on Ravelry and over 4,500 Instagram entries with the hashtag #reynashawl. The pattern deserves its popularity and more. It is easy and enjoyable to knit.

Linen, cotton and community

I recently finished “Lustre”, a drapey shawl knitted with a linen and cotton blend yarn. This was the project that brought my knitting mojo back.

Crafting is my therapy; a necessity during turbulent times. Expect to see some more knitting, spinning and even cross stitch in here. I am excited to be back at blogging. Hoping this space will help me re-connect with other crafty souls.

Pattern (free): Cotton Lustre Wrap by Carrolldj

Yarn: Berroco Linsey (64% cotton, 36% linen) in colors Pomegranate, Blonde and Driftwood.

Needles: US size 10.5

Ravelry link: here

My Quiet Journey

Here is a finished object!

The pattern, Quiet Journey, was a gift from a dear friend, Andi of My Sister’s Kniter. I would love to knit this again in Fingering weight.

The shawl used three skeins of O-Wool DK Legacy, base that is apparently discontinued. Luckly,  O-Wool still carries Classic Worsted. Project page: here.

Another week, another shawl

This pattern cannot be more simple; endless garter stitches with purl rows here and there. Some might find this very boring. I decided it was a perfect source of relaxation after hectic workdays. Call it garter therapy.

The yarn is the protagonist. Tern is, like other Quince & Co. yarns, a pleasure to knit with. The shawl is light and easy to wear. I think it will transition well into Spring.

Pattern: The Big Blue by Meg Gadsbey
Ravelry project page: here

(Public service announcement: dark chocolate is full of antioxidants = good for you, good for me!)

Spindrift…a gem!

I now understand the rave about Helen Stewart’s patterns. The Spindrift shawl was a joy to knit!

My mother requested the same shawl in this gorgeous Lost City yarn. It is the first time that I am knitting a pattern twice, back to back. That should tell you something!

Hope you are enjoy your current projects. Have a great weekend!

Spindrift Shawl on a Sunday

Happy Sunday! I am currently working on the Spindrift Shawl, a lovely pattern by Helen Stewart from Curious Handmade .

These photos were taken at the 50% progress mark. I love Helen’s pattern format–where you can mark your progress and check your stitch count at any row.

Malabrigo Sock yarn is very pleasant to work with. And, look at those colors of “Indiecita”!!

Time for FOs

I finished my Oaklet shawl just in time to keep me warm during the last weeks of cold weather. This free pattern is not too complicated, yet beautiful. Love it! Details on the project page.

New shiny handspun! I am really pleased with my 464 yards of deliciously spongy BFL. I spun very thin singles and navajo-ply them to end up with fingering weight yarn. 

Weekends are good (most of the time)

We discovered a new park that not only is beautiful but also has a covered playground! That is like finding an oasis in the dessert.

I am on the border of this shawl.  I love this green yarn hand dyed by Nooch Fiber. The base is Midtown Sock, a fingering weight that comes in a generous 463.0 yards or 423.4 meters skein. The pattern is equally lovable and free!

I am spinning some Bluefaced Leicester fiber in the color way “Treasure Island” from Fiber Charmer.

Long term shawl

This is a modified version of the 22.5 degrees shawl pattern by Martina Behm. Details and mods on the project page.

Project History

• 2012: bought variegated yarn during the Eat. Knit. Sleep Black Friday’s sale
• 2013: cast on during Christmas vacation
• 2014: forgot project as soon as I got home from said vacation. Cast off mid year.
• 2015: decided it was about time to block & wear the shawl.

FO: Cassis Shawlette

This is my Cassis shawl that I bound off months ago.

Working with The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering Alpaca, Merino and Bamboo blend is a dream!

Cassis is a great free pattern by Collete Audrey. My only modification was to knit many more rows to use most of the yarn. Project page: here

WIPS: Soay and 22.5 Degrees Progress

I made good progress on my Soay cardigan. This little project is teaching me so much! From practicing short rows to neck shaping.

If Martina Behm loves variegated yarn in garter stitch, I do as well. I bought this yarn from Eat.Knit.Sleep on a Black Friday. Count me as another victim of the “it’s on sale, let me buy it” syndrome.

Project page: here

 

WIP: Cassis

Here is my current WIP. The details:

• Pattern: Cassis Shawlette by Collette Audrey
• Yarn: The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering (Fingering / 4 ply, 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo)
• Needles: Hiya-Hiya US4, 3.5mm
• Project page: here

FO: Sweet Summer Rays

This is the Sweet Summer Rays shawl designed by Holly Priestley. I went for a color out of my comfort zone and cannot be happier about my choice. 

Have a great week! We are heading north to DC in a couple of days. See you next time!

My first Knitalong

My Gills Rock is close to be an FO. Technically, I am thirteen rows away from the finish line. However, my plan is to knit an additional pattern repeat.

FO: Madeleine (finally!)

This is my Madeleine shawl. I have finished it sometime ago but did not manage to take pictures until now. Did I tell I’m in love with this shawl? Love the color, yarn and its drape. I can wear it as a shawl or as a scarf. Details on my raverly.