Wool Gathering...a knitting experience

At the beginning of the week, I usually try to set "Knitting goals" for myself for the week. This week, I am going to TRY to finish 3 projects - 2 of which have been languishing for some time.

First: North Sea Stole from Folk Shawls knit in the gorgeous Sheep Shop 3 (color 109). The book is probably the most popular shawl book in the shop!

Normally, I wouldn't knit lace in a yarn as heavily variegated as this, but I wanted to create my own sea to go with the name of the stole! I really love the look.  As of right now, I am 5 repeats away from being done.  Can I finish before I reopen on Tuesday?  I hope so! Stop in to see how beautifully this yarn knits up. 

The specs: 30% silk, 70% wool  325 yards  6-6.5 sts/in, US5 needle super soft!

Second: Clapotis!
I knit this one the first time when the "Clap craze" was at its highest point. It was knit in a solid purple cashmerino for my sister as a Christmas gift. I decided to try again - this time in a special yarn.  I'm using Noro Cashmere Island - yum and loving every minute! I have six more repeats of the straight section, then I get to start decreasing (YAY!).  If I stay focused - stop laughing - I might finish by next Sunday.  The yarn is a perfect match: 30% silk, 60% wool, 10% nylon 110 yards, 5.5sts/inch on a US6 (I'm using an 8).

Last: a chunky cardi, top-down raglan - basic, no frills. The pattern is my own - knit with Noro Iro, a little swingy, cropped, applied I-cord trim, the sleeves are going to be 3/4, but could be left short (it is super cute that way, too).  I've been wearing it around the shop as is, asking opinions as to the sleeves.  If you have one - leave a comment!  One button at the top lets the sweater hang just right - I just need to find the right button. OK - maybe there are a few frills, just enough, I think, to make a basic sweater a little special.  Iro specs: 75% wool, 25% silk, 132 yards, 3sts/inch on a US11.  This sweater is knit on US10.5 at 5sts/in.  As soon as I'm done, the pattern will be available at the shop, free with yarn purchase (Iro or any other to make the sweater).

After rereading this - I seem to have a thing right now for silk/wool blends.  Who can blame me, they feel soooo good! Oh, and Noro - I have a hard time staying away from it.

Wool Gathering will be closed today.

I'll be at home sledding with my boys!
Have a wonderful day - it's perfect for knitting in a cozy house with a hot cup of tea (or coffee, or cocoa...).

I'll reopen tomorrow at 9:00am

You can view all the details about our upcoming classes in a downloadable chart HERE:  Download classsch.febmarch.pdf

You can click on any class name to send an email to me at the shop sign up for the class, OR email by clicking here.

Please take the time to read over the class offerings, then email call or stop into the shop to reserve your spot in class! You will need to come to the shop before class to purchase your materials (there is a 10% discount for all class materials purchased at Wool Gathering).

Jump over to the Winter Class page to print the Class Schedule!

I just couldn't watch the band wagon drive by - I cast on for Kate Gilbert's Bird in Hand mittens about a month ago and have worn them every day since.  I think these mittens are one of (if not the one) my favorite knits this winter.  Look for Kate's patterns at the shop soon!!  I am so excited to be able to share them with you - we will have several of her beautiful patterns, including Bird in Hand and Wintergreen.  My TJ is pictured on 2 of her pattern pages - I got to test knit them for her back when I just knit for fun! ;)

Knit with Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Aran in Magenta and Cream (the photo looks red and white, but it really is a great magenta!) on US1 DPNs - yup, aran weight yarn on US1s and I loved them so much I had trouble putting them down!

This one is going to be a fingerless mitt.  It's being designed for a color-stranding class offered in the next few weeks.  A small project like this is the perfect way to try out a new technique - there isn't too much committment and it's lots of fun!  I'm using Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, pale blue and brown.  I can't tell you all how much I love this yarn - it is so wonderfully squishy really, it's the only word I can think of!  The mitts will coordinate perfectly with my Koolhaas.  Check back for a completed picture - I love the thumb gussett - it is covered with tiny checks like the band across the wrist.

I've gotten myself on a bit of a small project binge of late.  Somehow I started knitting berets and couldn't stop!  I knitted the Sunflower Tam (from Knitting Nature), Beret Gaufre (from Veronique Avery's blog), Greta (from Ysolda - gorgeous stuff here!), and, though not a beret, Koolhaas (from the amazing Jared Flood)

Sunflower Tam, knit with Rowan Cocoon - if you haven't knit with this yarn yet - a hat is the perfect excuse!  It is SO soft! (link goes to Ravelry - I'm sorry if you aren't on yet...get there, quick and sign up!  It's a GREAT resource!)

Beret Gaufre knit with Jade Sapphire 8-ply cashmere (I REALLY needed a good excuse to knit with this yarn - it was worth it!), 2 skeins.

Koolhaas in Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran (1 ball and a little bit of the second) - what a soft, squishy yarn!!

I didn't photograph Gretel - imagine gorgeous cables knit with magenta Noro Cash Iroha - yum!!

Gloves and mittens next time!