For the love of Faux-isle

Arne and Carlos for Regia; colourway "Summer Night" 

If you follow knit-bloggers or are active on Instagram, you'll probably be feeling like these Arne and Carlos sock yarns are just everywhere at the moment.  I've seen dozens of posts featuring the beautiful self-patterning fair-isle in gorgeous Scandy-colourways and was pretty keen to get my hands on some to try for myself.  

Although not normally a fan of faux-isle yarn, I must admit I adore everything about this yarn for a number of reasons. Regia has always been a favourite sock yarn of mine.  It's got a sturdy fibre content with the inclusion of 25% nylon, knits to a decent mid-size gauge, and is good on price point too.

The self-patterning yarns do give you maximum impact for minimum effort too.  I had many converations on the train with people fascinated by how the pattern was emerging, and almost disbelief when I told them it was no knitting magic skill but just the yarn.  The most I did towards the patterning was to wind a bit off before starting the second sock so I could manage to get them matchy-matchy.  Still, impressive apparently so who am I to argue?

I worked them toe-up, starting with a Turkish cast-on and then following on from my pledge to keep trying new things, I decided to try the Fish Lips Kiss Heel.   I had been wondering about this heel method for sometime, as it had been mentioned of several of the podcasts I follow and people were singing it's praises.  

It is very simple to work - don't let the 16 pages of pattern notes put you off - and it fits my heel rather well.  I have rather skinny heels and ankles (as can be seen in the first photo!) and to date I haven't had good results with the fit of short row heels in the way I find a heel flap fits me.  This heel still struggles a little to address this, however the detailed instruction within the pattern notes on how to determine when to place the heel has resulted in a more accurate foot measurement, and that has definitely helped in this instance.

I will be interested to see how these wear in comparison to a slipped stitch heel flap, as my feeling is the stocking stitch heels may not be as sturdy along the "seam"?  As mentioned the yarn is true sock yarn, so I think it has been given the best chance possible and I remain hopeful. This is a limited edition colourway, so I am keen to have these socks last.

The sock drawer is looking decidedly healthy again now, but they are such good projects for the train so I think I'm just going to keep knitting them and start a little stockpile for gifts.  There is no shortage of sock yarn in the stash, and there are only so many socks and shawls one person needs, right? 

Do you ever have a quandary of the need for knits and the need to knit?  I'd love to hear all your methods of managing it, if you do?

Jitterbug Perfume

Way back when I was in my early 20's, I was handed a copy of "Jitterbug Perfume" by a housemate who was moving on and told "here, take this.  you'll love it".  Thus was my introduction to Tom Robbins and his body of work.

At that stage I'd never read anything like his style of writing and I was completely entranced. I subsequently read all his available work in fast succession.  However as they say in the classics, you never forget your first and JP has remained a sentimental favourite, re-read and re-pondered more than once in the 20+ years since the initial encounter.

Fast forward to 2009 at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show. It was my second trip to the Show, and I'd spent a good two days wandering around and adding to my stash with glee.  I had all but spent my budget but was doing that one-last-look-around before leaving to head back to Melbourne and I came across the Stranded in Oz stall.  The majority of the skeins were laceweight, which wasn't on my list at all, but one in particular jumped out at me with such force I had to pick it up for a closer look.

A symphony in shades of mandarin and lavender; it was just gorgeous.  But it was expensive and my budget was almost gone.  I went to put it back down when suddenly I noticed the colourway name.  

Jitterbug Perfume.  

I think I gasped, because the stall owner Melissa came over quickly and then we both had a fandom moment exclaiming how much we loved that book, and that was that.  I knew it was coming home with me.

For nearly 6 years, I have safely stored this precious yarn.  I've aired it each year, making sure it's protected from moths and any damp.  I've pondered all the possibilities of what it might become (other than a precious skein).  At one point, I actually decided it would never be knit; that it was perfect just the way it was intact in the skein.

But of course, that was not what it was purchased for and this year during the Summer of the Single Skein I pulled it out again with the firm intent of Finding The Project.

Thus the Jitterbug Perfume Cowl.

I had decided the intensity of the colours needed to be tempered somehow, and so went looking at the wonderful palette of Isager for inspiration.  As luck would have it, not only was this plummy purple a good foil for the oranges, the Isager Spinni (another laceweight single) was also a good match in both fibre content, ply and weight.

I could not be happier with this colour combo if I tried.  The Spinni just knocks the edge off the Jitterbug in such a perfect way while simultaneously allowing the variegated to really shine.

I worked this up on my knitting machine, which in itself was a bit of a steep learning curve.  There were multiple attempts at casting on, and much frustration at getting the colourwork to flow but we got there in the end. This simple diamond pattern wasn't my first choice, but again - I think it's right.  I had been trying to replicate the Jasmine perfume bottles in the book, but it was just too fussy overall. 

I worked half the cowl with the solid colour as the base and half with the variegated as the base, then handstitched the two panels together to form a long reversible cowl.  It's not the prettiest construction, but it does the job and once on you really can't see any of the flaws anyway.

I still can't decide my favourite side!

In case you hadn't heard...

Ugh, the weather in Melbourne has turned dramatically.  Gone are my beautiful warm Autumn winds and sunshiny days, and in their place is the bitter cold that is usually attributed to deep Winter here in Melbourne.  

As a result, I'm definitely feeling the need to start knitting sweaters.  The annual planning has begun with a vengeance, and I can't wait to get started on my 2015 collection of garments.

I'm trying to live a bit lighter as a general practise at the moment, and this correlates to my knitting by the aim of working through some more beautiful stashed yarns, so I initiated my search on Ravelry based on the yarns on hand and started tagging them with "winter2015".  I narrowed it down to these six, and after much (oh so much!) deliberation, I have settled on starting with Daelyn (bottom LH corner) - a simple relaxed pullover with some lovely textural detailing.

Blank Canvas, Ysolda Teague; Ommegang, Thea Colman; Airbrean, Isabell Kraemer; Daelyn, Isabell Kraemer;  Mailin, Isabell Kraemer; Portage, Melissa Schaschwary

This lovey Berroco Ultra Alpaca in the "Lobster Mix" colourway, which is a rich plummy-brown heathered colour, is a great pairing for this pattern, and so far it's knitting up so beautifully.

Warnings of the stretch of this yarn I have heeded, and will be knitting it at a slightly tighter gauge than required. This works well however, as I am kind of between sizes so I'll knit the larger size and tweak to fit as required.  It's designed to be worn with positive ease and I'm basing the measurements off my Beeline which is a great fit and similar style.

The yarn is already proving to be as delightful as I had hoped, with all those tones coming together to form a beautiful, complex heathered colour that chameleons with every change of light and angle.   The texture and knitted hand of the wool/alpaca blend is equally satisfactory to the tactile senses.   Can you tell I'm a bit enamoured by this project?

I'd love to be monogamous on this one but unfortunately the dark yarn is a bit difficult to work on at night, and it's too big to transport on the train with me each day so I'll do a few rows each morning before I leave, and dedicate my weekends to it. 

To fill the gaps I've got some more socks on the go (I know, you're shocked right?!).   These are for my Mum, who has a birthday coming up at the end of May.  Originally I thought I'd give them to her for Mother's Day then we all decided that we wouldn't do gifts this year, just nice cards and a lunch, so I will now keep working along and be well prepared for her birthday instead.

I'm using some Colinette Jitterbug in "Caramel" that I picked up when Sarah Durrant closed up shop last year.  I'm a big fan of Jitterbug, both as a yarn base and for the colourways.  It isn't everyone's cup of tea, mainly due to the absence of nylon for durability, but I've never had an issue with the wear of this high-twist pure wool yarn and I do find it keeps toes nice and warm.  This is one of my own basic sock patterns, a simple waffle rib that forms a nice snug fit on the foot so I hope Mum likes them!

Another sock yarn favourite of mine is Regia, and the recent limited edition Arne & Carlos collection they've released has been high on my radar, especially these two colourways.

Summer Night #3657

Fall Night #3655

After a little initial trouble finding it in stock my order finally arrived  today, and as soon as I finish Mum's socks I'm planning to knit these toe-up and use up every last scrap of yarn, so they will probably be close to knee-hi stockings. Which, of course, will work perfectly with the faux fair-isle, Scando theme they've got going on.  They look quite similar in these photos, but in reality they are very different.  The Fall Night is quite dark overall, with bright orange pops and the Summer Night is very teal blue, cream and coral.  

So there you go.  Soon to be toasty from top to toe in preparation for Winter.  Because it's coming.  In case you hadn't heard.

Exploration Station

This weekend, I finally finished the Exploration Station shawl from Stephen West.  

This large, beautiful, textured shawl was his mysteryKAL for 2014 and although I didn't take part at the time, as soon as I saw all the finished project photos popping up on Ravelry and Instagram, I knew I had to make one.

I've mentioned before that this shawl was the impetus for The Summer of the Single Skein KAL I hosted over the 2014/2015 Summer (Southern Hemisphere).  I had been looking for a good vehicle for combining a few of my lovely single skeins and what better project than a big shawl?

Incorporating four colours, the pattern suggests 3 be fairly close in value and 1 a high contrast.  I chose Waikiwi in a natural stone colour, Colinette Jitterbug in "Oyster Blush" and a variegated skein of Top Draw Sock from Skein in "Fig".  My contrast was a deep plummy skein of Cascade Heritage that I'd been saving for something special for a long time.

The Waikiwi is a sock yarn from New Zealand that has merino, alpaca, possum and nylon in it's composition.  The combination of fibres gives a beautiful heather, especially in the lighter colours.  This heather perfectly stopped the cream from being too stark against the other colours in the mix.

The Jitterbug was probably the thickest of the four yarns, even though all are considered the same "weight" (fingering).  Because the shawl is worked on larger needles than normally used for this weight yarn, and incorporates a lot of textures, this slight difference wasn't terribly noticeable but I do feel the slight heaviness of the Jitterbug gives a good weight to the overall piece.

Out of the four skeins, the Cascade and the Skein were the closest match for softness and composition, and as luck would have it I think I have enough of both yarns left over to make a pair of two-tone socks.  There isn't much at all left of the Waikiwi, and a small amount only of the Jitterbug - perhaps enough for some contrast toes/heels, I'd say?

Stephen West is known for his love of squishy garter stitch, sweeping lines, and brioche (and goofy photoshoots!).  I really enjoyed the different textures on each section.  I can imagine it would have been pretty cool to work as a mystery KAL, actually.  My favourite was the brioche.  Although I ummed and ahhed about whether my designated yarns were the right combo, I'm glad I stuck to the combination as per pattern.  The effect is more subtle than some other versions, however I think in my shawl it works best.

All edges are finished with i-cord edgings which, again, I feel was a lovely detail finishing off the shawl.  It's the first of the WestKnits patterns I've knit, and it's also the largest shawl I've knit to date, with a wingspan of 1.4m.  I cant' wait to wrap myself up in it all snuggly and warm this winter.

I absolutely loved the construction of this shawl, and the attention to detail in the pattern from the designer.   At each step, there were clear and timely notations to reassure the knitter of the next section, and there were also stitch counts included at the break of each section - something I greatly appreciate in patterns, especially on this scale.  However, as good technically this pattern is, I think it's key strength lies in it's overall aesthetic and how well Stephen West has managed to bring all elements together.  

Mystery KAL's can be a bit of a risk, as the knitter takes a leap of faith with the designer as to the final outcome, and adding in the process of selecting colours without really knowing how they are going to fit together is another requirement of trust!  I think this pattern has hit all the right notes, on all accounts and judging by the fact there are over 2,000 projects on Ravelry alone; I'd say so do a lot of other people.  

I may be late to the WestKnits party, but I can say now I'm well and truly on-board!  Who else has knitted his designs?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the experience. 

waning Summer

Oh my poor neglected blog!  I've been so wrapped up in other things that time has yet again slipped away and it's been weeks in-between visits.  A lot has been happening, so here's a quick recount...

I finished my Farmer McGregor's socks, and I love them so much.

I spoke a little about the yarn (WYS Signature) last post, and nothing's changed my opinon.  It's a great yarn to that has blocked exceptionally well, and I'll definitely be ordering more.

The pattern is the most delicious texture too.  I really love twisted stitch patterns, especially when they are all waffley like this one.

I taught a lovely Beginner's Knitting class at the Handmaker's Factory last weekend.  We had loads of fun working on some sweet little mug cosies and eating cupcakes!

I've got a couple more workshops coming up, so if you're interested head over to Handmaker's website and take a peak.  There's workshops for Toe-up socks, Textured knitting, and Flattering Fit, just to name a few.

My little KAL - The Summer of the Single Skein - is winding up. As we draw close to Easter, the weather here has remained warm and pleasant but you can feel the change in the breeze and I'm definitely ready to start thinking about bigger projects and winter woollies.

My final project for the KAL is Exploration Station, a large shawl by Stephen West.  It was his mystery KAL for 2014, and watching all the progress photos pop up on Instagram, I knew I wanted to make one.  I missed the original KAL, but no big deal.  I actually preferred seeing how the pattern played out because I think colour choices were key to the success or fail of this shawl.  Having the information in advance, I chose this group.

from top left, clockwise: Skein Top Draw Sock "Fig"; Colinette Jitterbug "Oyster Blush"; Waikiwi "Stone"; Cascade Heritage " Plum"

The shawl combines sections of short-row garter wedges to start, then finishes with sections of different stitch patterns.  I've just finished the brioche section which combines Colour B (Skein "Fig") and Colour C (Waikiwi "Stone"), and I'm quite torn...the top photo is the right side, and the variegated Skein is sitting "on top" which is very subtle.  

You can see in the second photo that the solid Waikiwi is on top on the wrong side, and stands out quite a bit more.

I'm not sure whether to rip back and reverse the two?  I do like the obviousness of the cream columns, but I'm also thinking the subtlety of the variegated is nice too?  The next section is slipped stitches in the Waikiwi and Jitterbug , so there will be some dominant cream there - maybe it would be too much to have both?

Oh, I don't know!!  I can't make up my mind to save myself on this one.  What do you think? I tend to over-analyse these things, so any input is welcome!

Finally, I'm on holidays now until after Easter.  My girl and I are heading off to camp by the ocean for the next few days, and I can't tell you how much we need it.  

I'm looking forward to falling asleep to the sound of the waves, and smelling the salt air as I wake up each morning.  I'm also looking forward to just taking time out together.  We'll be switching off for the time away (the teenager thinks it's a travestity being inflicted upon her by a cruel and unloving mother, most definitely but there's nothing new!) so I will see you all when we get back - hopefully renewed and full of energy.

Farmer McGregor’s socks

Isn't that just the perfect name for these socks?  Don't they look like "working" socks? 

(working socks in need of a block, but I'm grabbing the chance to blog while I've got it)

In the absence of pigs to feed and chooks to tend, these socks are destined to be my stomping through puddles in boots socks, the socks of Autumn, and warm-toes-cold-noses, and hiking through mountains soaking in the air. Or something like that.

These beautiful twisted stitches are rugged and sturdy looking, especially when paired with this yarn, this colour.  These were definitely not a "quick" knit, which was fine.  There are a few discussions going on at the moment about "slow" or "mindful" knitting, a concept which is reverberating strongly with me and where I want to be right now.   I think having such a  frenzy of knitting to start the year has sated that instant gratification part of my brain which has meant I've been quite happy to simply plod away at these socks and enjoy the process.

My second knit from Socktopus, and using some WYS Signature 4ply (75%wool – inc 35%BFL – with 25% nylon) that I ordered from the UK last year.

It’s been a while since I’ve been this impressed with a book of knitting patterns, I admit.  The last one was Journey by Shannon Cook and Jane Richmond (I really love that book!).  As mentioned last post, I borrowed Socktopus from our local library but I’ve decided that I like it enough to purchase my own copy to have on hand and work my way through at my own pace.

photo credit: WYS

The West Yorkshire Spinners yarn was one I had been wanting to try, having not knowingly used BFL in socks previously.  I say knowingly, because I feel like until very recently there was a true lack of fibre content displayed on ball bands other than “Merino” which is often used as a broad and non-specific term covering a broad range of fibre.

BFL is known for its strong fibres, making it a good candidate for socks.  In the ball, it felt squishy and soft to the touch but that belied the handle once knitted up at sock gauge.  This is a sturdy yarn.  I haven’t blocked these yet, but I am quiet confident this is going to be a good wearing fabric.

The colours available are a good mix of brights and earthy neutrals in the colour range for this yarn, as well as a complimentary range of prints.  It’s well pricepointed too, even with the exchange rate, although shipping is always the kicker.  I bought small this order, but I would probably consider stocking up next order to maximise the shipping costs.

Looking at the colours and style of these socks, I’d say my thoughts are probably with Autumn wouldn’t you?!  How are you all going as we transition from Summer down here in the Southern Hemisphere?  I have to say I think Autumn is just about my favourite season in Melbourne, so as far as I'm concerned let's bring it on!

From trial and error comes good things

Recently I consulted the Knitting Brains Trust about my disappointment on a project I was working on, specifically that the colours weren't working the way I had imagined.  The response was consistent in the opinion that the colours were too closely matched tonally, and of course - you were all exactly right!

Look at this black and white comparison...

This visual sealed the fate of the project, and I ripped out the grey yarn and turned it into this sweet beanie for my dear friend, modelled here by Lily.

This is a free pattern from Drops, called Sweet Caroline.  I made some small modifications, using a twisted rib on the band, and shortening the lace section by half a repeat.  There's plenty of slouch at this length, so I'm glad I did.  

It's a much better use of the yarn, definitely. The Milla Mia gives a very crisp definition to the lace pattern, which is lovely but I'd like to also re-make this hat at some stage in a fuzzier yarn, like alpaca or kid mohair, I think?  

Progress has also been made on Miette this week too.   We have reached blocking stage! Pre-blocking is seems to fit well.  Snug, but no more than as it is supposed to be.  I'm only doing a very gently block, so fingers crossed. 

Hoping to have a proper "finished" photoshoot completed by next time we talk.    It's raining and miserable lighting here today, so a black and white image is the best I can manage of this project.

Next week I promise a proper post on my Shibui beanie too - for a sneak peak though you might like to keep an eye on the Sunspun blog this week ;-) 

Transition

It's raining in Melbourne today.  Not pouring; more drizzle, but constant.  This week past I have really felt the transition of the seasons, and it's felt exciting and fresh.  I am so ready for Autumn; for the mild sunshine and crisp afternoons, the necessity of a light cardigan whenever heading out of the house just in case, and toasty warm hand-knitted socks for snugging on the couch of an evening.

It seems the perfect season for me as I also transition, from full-time, big institution type employment into something more gentle, somewhere I feel I'm a person, not just a small cog within a huge machine.  So far I am loving being surrounded by wool all the working day, talking to people about their projects, their inspirations, and planning - oh, the planning!  Before I can feasibly think of adding more ideas to my list, I need to concentrate on my current ideas, though.  

My Autumn cardigan - Peasy -  is done bar the blocking and buttons.  Once I got onto the body, it zoom-zoomed along and Monday night I found myself casting off.  Most excitingly, it fits really well. 

I have been very gentle with the blocking, as the yarn is Rowan Felted Tweed, and I don't want the alpaca content to grow too much.   I love the pattern - Heidi Kirramaier writes beautiful patterns, but it's the colour that is the most amazing part of this garment. Such a perfect indigo hue.  I can't wait for it to hurry up and dry so I can wear it!

With the completion of Peasy, it was also time to start on my next sweater for my 2014 sweater project.  For Winter, I chose Miette using Cascade 220 Worsted in "Yakima Heather".  I even managed to find buttons in my stash.

I'm hoping that a worsted weight sweater on 5mm needles will go fast, because I'm feeling the need for some smaller projects at the moment!   April feels like the season for beanie knitting, and maybe some socks?  We will see...

On the subject of completing current lists, I've also been making a concentrated effort to finish my second Ferris Wheel cardigan.  This is the larger one, for my 10yo niece.  I used Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Cotton which has a beautiful soft touch, but as always, my tension is *crap* when knitting cotton.  I'm hoping a good block will help those tram tracks settle...

It's a lovely soft grey and I've only got the sleeves and the front bands to go now.  I've always loved making things for these girls, but I'll be honest - I don't think I'll ever attempt back-to-back projects of the same pattern again!  

I tried knitting them simultaneously for a while, but as soon as the smaller one was done, I just could not make myself pick up this one straight after. My hands and mind were craving different stitches, different textures.  Luckily this pattern is kind of an all-seasons one, and will be great for layering.  I've given myself an unofficial deadline of Easter to get this finished, because I'd dearly love to give them to them soon.

(and maybe start those socks!!)

A year of Sweaters by Season: Autumn 2014

In the flurry of finishing show entries, and getting sidetracked by other projects, you might be forgiven for thinking I'd forgotten about my 2014 project - to knit four sweaters in 2014 that reflect upon the seasons in some way.

Not so!

Peasy was the pick for Autumn, using the ever-lovely Rowan Felted Tweed in "Seasalter".

Back on February 1st,  I swatched (I repeat, I SWATCHED!!) and got spot-on gauge using my 3.75mm Addi Turbos but sadly that's where progress lay for another month.

However, as soon as the Red Hill Show entries were done, I turned my complete attention over to this project and it's ticking away nicely.  Not without it's own hiccups, as seems to be my constant knitting woe for 2014, but nonetheless; ticking along.

I've worked the yoke increases and lace panels that, despite being simple and sweet, caused me much angst and cause for doubt.  I do have a habit of over thinking pattern instructions, and this was no exception.  I got stuck for sometime on what the pattern was wanting me to do regarding the yoke increases, until finally I trusted my own judgement and went with my gut.  Thankfully that was the right thing!  I've noticed a few other people have mentioned confusion at this section of the pattern, so that also makes me feel a tad better too.  The lace was just pure mis-reading on my behalf.  I have no explanations anymore as to why I seem to have lost the abilty to read simple lace instructions.  We will just have to accept it as what it is and hope the tide washes over me at some point!

Woes aside, I'm completely enjoying this cardigan and yarn combination.  I think Felted Tweed might just be my favourite sweater yarn, and the "Seasalter" colour is just a delight.  Not as dark as navy, but not so bright as to be considered cobalt - it has a lovely inkiness and depth.  It does remind me of the salty deep blue sea, way out in the open water...I can't wait to snuggle up in the cardigan as the weather starts to cool.

Another thing that is pleasing me about this project is a particular feature of the pattern.  It's certainly not anything revolutionary, and I'm sure 1000 people have done this all off their own back, but I had a lightbulb moment when the pattern reached the division of arms from body, and politely requested that I knit THE SLEEVES FIRST.  The sleeves first!  Of course, why did I never think of that before?!

No-one (that I know of, anyways) likes finally getting to the end of the body of a top-down cardigan after all that slog (usually in stocking stitch), only to then have to face knitting not one but TWO sleeves before calling the project done.

I do believe I will make all the cardigan and jumpers this way, for evermore.

And as it turns out, it's lucky I'm such a Rowan fan, because I am very pleased to announce that I am now the newest staff member of Sunspun!  I'm so happy to be joining this incredibly awesome team of talented women, and to be back working in an inspiring, creative environment.  

If you've been following the Sunspun blog recently, you will have seen that we are in the process of some renovations, some refreshing of stock, and lots more exciting plans.  If you're in the area, do come and check it out - I'd love to see you and hear what you all think!


**edited to add**

Oh, I forgot - I had a good result from the Red Hill Show too!

A first, a second, and two thirds.  4 society ribbons and $5 prize money for the First.

Well pleased with that.  The $5 became yummy chocolate for my fella & I; the society ribbons are in the Box of Special things.  I resisted pinning them to my shirt.