Hi Knitters,You'd think this knitting thing would get old after awhile. It has been going on for decades. For some reason it doesn't wear out its welcome. I am continually fascinated. I made a quick hat out of my handspun yarn. I love it so much. The hardest part of using my amateurish handspun was that I couldn't quite figure out the gauge.
My highly rustic handspun varies from very thick to very thin and not on purpose. I started and ripped back three or four times with varying stitch counts and different size needles. I finally used a US size 10 and I probably could have ended up casting on maybe four more stitches or so to start. Still it turned out really cute and it will be worn by many.
I kind of love this spinning thing along with the knitting. It's plain old fun and it adds a new twist for me.
My knitting protegé Miss Molly (my son's girlfriend) has whipped up two pairs of mittens over the last couple of weeks. She used the aptly titled, Molly's Mittens, pattern. Of course she caught on to all things mitten like the speed of light. She made a red pair for her brother and this raspberry striped pair for her sister. I love how she is immediately knitting for her loved ones. She is really something.
My highly rustic handspun varies from very thick to very thin and not on purpose. I started and ripped back three or four times with varying stitch counts and different size needles. I finally used a US size 10 and I probably could have ended up casting on maybe four more stitches or so to start. Still it turned out really cute and it will be worn by many.
I kind of love this spinning thing along with the knitting. It's plain old fun and it adds a new twist for me.
My knitting protegé Miss Molly (my son's girlfriend) has whipped up two pairs of mittens over the last couple of weeks. She used the aptly titled, Molly's Mittens, pattern. Of course she caught on to all things mitten like the speed of light. She made a red pair for her brother and this raspberry striped pair for her sister. I love how she is immediately knitting for her loved ones. She is really something.I have this mitten pattern available for purchase and download on my Ravelry shop! Click here for more information.
Molly is already onto a scarf for her best friend. She is knitting a ribbed scarf out of this gorgeous yarn, Rowan Colourscape. I happened to have two hanks of this sitting in my studio just waiting to be used. This yarn has been taking up space for a long time. I think it is magnificent and I can't wait to see the finished scarf. I will probably have to get some more Colourscape to make some sort of scarf for myself after I see Molly's version.
Molly is already onto a scarf for her best friend. She is knitting a ribbed scarf out of this gorgeous yarn, Rowan Colourscape. I happened to have two hanks of this sitting in my studio just waiting to be used. This yarn has been taking up space for a long time. I think it is magnificent and I can't wait to see the finished scarf. I will probably have to get some more Colourscape to make some sort of scarf for myself after I see Molly's version. I love to see a young talented person like Molly take off with knitting. Each project is a new adventure and learning something new is around every corner. Wait, that's how it is for this not so young knitter, too.
Like I said, it never gets old.
I have a new free pattern for an adorable hat on Spud says! Click here to see the pattern!
best, susie
p.s. I started a fun knitalong for the Camp Hoodie over on Spud says! Come join in the fun if you are able. Click here for the details.
p.p.s. I have two new instructional videos on fair isle knitting and a simple embroidery technique used on the Camp Hoodie. Click here for all of my videos on youtube.
What pattern is that hat? I want to try cables and with only a few twists it might be a great project. Love the Rowan yarn- haven't ever used it. Hmmm, I need a trip to the LYS...
ReplyDeleteIt must feel so self-satisfying to make a project that you personally had a part in its beginning = spun yarn. Maybe later on Susan you'll sell your yarn ;o).
ReplyDeleteI love those rasberry striped mitts Molly made. Good for her! I love how you teach others.
I'm going to get going on that cute new hat pattern this weekend! Thanks Susan, for another freebee!
ReplyDeleteSheila
I wish I will meet more knitters here. But I'm the only one from my generation who knit, all other knitters I know are at least 50+.
ReplyDeleteI do just so adore you Susan B. Anderson. The joy that you not only get from knitting but also share with all around you (in real life and in cyberspace) is such a wonderful thing. I am about to start on yet another of your Itty Bitty Hats for a new baby and I am so excited about beginning it. Thank you so much for all of the inspiration and warmth that you give to us through your blog. I always come away smiling. Love Kate xxooxx.
ReplyDeleteWow, your handspun looks just great! I have been resisting the spinning bug, mostly because I have enough to keep up with in knitting.
ReplyDeleteYou also are such a role model in how selfless you are with your yarn, not to mention your designs and knitting knowledge. I don't mind teaching new knitters, or even new skills to seasoned knitters, but I'm not so generous with my yarn. Not that some of it hasn't been sitting for awhile in my house and would be better off being used. I just can't get over the "connection" I feel to some of my stash...
A good pattern for a hat made from handspun yarn is the One Day Beret by Kristin Kapur. You start at the crown and work down toward the ribbing so you don't have to worry so much about the gauge. You can just measure and can try it on as you go. I used it with some of my thick/thin handspun and so have several other Ravelers. The pattern is a free Ravelry download.
ReplyDeleteA sweet post, I know just what you mean about how it never gets old! And I LOVE the look of your upcoming book...read and knit books are such a fun, great concept!! Another great addition for my knitting library!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hat and your videos are so helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your talents.
ReplyDelete(p.s. The book arrived and I blogged about it here: http://jfibers.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-19.html Thanks for sponsoring such a great giveaway! I can't wait to start on some new mitts!)