Hi Knitters,
Blocking day has come again and this is actually the second day of blocking. The Rowan British Sheep Breeds is a heavy wool and it really soaked up that water yesterday. I put a fan on it yesterday, too, and it is still damp today. Maybe by tomorrow it will be dry.
I will be wearing it tomorrow if it is ready! I'll share one more photo of me in the finished and blocked and buttoned pullover.
By the way, when I dumped the water out of the basin where I was washing the sweater, the water was quite dirty with a small amount of brown sediment at the bottom of the basin. This is a truly rustic wool and I absolutely love it. I never mind picking twigs out of my yarn as I work. I have no idea why I am so drawn to natural wools and tweeds like this. Yum.
You can see the button choices here. TC helped me place them on the owls. She loves helping me make choices about things like this.
After much deliberation, I have to say that this is my favorite....
...the single owl and the tiny white button eyes and off-center to the left. It's just enough.
I've already stitched these two button eyes on with some matching gray thread. I found the buttons in an old button tin that my dear friend gave me after her mom passed away many years ago. I think her mom, Bernice, was around 90 years old. What a treasured gift. The two buttons I picked are not an exact match and they are slightly yellowed around the edges. I imagine they are really quite old which I love. Antique buttons kind of go with this sweater.
I love these buttons even more now that my friend is gone. She was a huge bird lover, too. It will be a sweet reminder of her and it made me feel good to stitch these particular buttons to the owl.
There is both back shaping and a little side shaping on Owls. You can see the back shaping clearly here. I have only done side shaping before so this was new to me. I kind of like it. Waist and back shaping are always optional if you want a looser fitting sweater.
I'll give more details and information (like size, gauge, tips, needles used, etc.) on my final post about Owls in a day or two. I've heard from a lot of knitters planning to start their own Owls sweater. It is a good choice.
Also, I have received lots of questions about my blocking boards since the Citron blocking day post. Mine are the original Knitter's Block by Cocoknits (click here for her website). I love them and I have the largest size set. It comes with the carrying bag and the set includes blocking pins, as well. Check it out if you are interested.
best, susie
15 comments:
LOVE this sweater. The eyes are perfect.
It is so nice to see that you are posting more updates I enjoy reading them so much.
What a pretty sweater. I like how you put eyes on every other owl and in blue and white. I love how the memory of your friend is embedded in this piece.
Lovely owls! We really are sweater twins, mine is knit in Rowan British breeds as well. Two seasons of biking through Chicago winter. It's held up well.
The sweater looks fantastic and I love the button story...it makes it that more special. Looking at your blocking kit I was wondering if you could use those colorful blocks that you can use on the floor for babies...the surface is textured and maybe that would not work. Just curious.
the pair of antique buttons simply enhance a beautiful FO.
What a lovely memory with buttons:) I have been stalking those blocking boards for awhile. Trying to get the hubs on board.
Wow, I can't believe that you've finished an entire jumper already! It's so sweet. :)
This sweater is adorable!! The little pair of buttons and their placement is just perfect!
Thanks for sharing this with us - makes me want to knit this sweater, too!
it turned out beautiful. i love the buttons you chose. they are just right. i have been lucky enough to find two button tins at flea markets. i also have my mothers which i can remember was my treat for when i was sick. she would bring her button tin to my bed, a needle, and some strong thread and i would sort buttons stringing any that were alike together. when i get it out now and see those little groups it always brings back sweet memories.
I am very jealous of your soaking tub and blocking supplies. It sure beats my bathroom sink and futon combo. ;) If I actually start finishing some projects I may copy you.
The buttons looks perfect!
That is really excellent! I love your decision on the buttons.
I like your choice of just the 2 buttons and in the off-white color and then to have special meaning to them is so sweet.
I had my knitting class yesterday and was so excited to tell my instructor (my friends daughter..so young!) about your owl sweater and SURPRISE...she's already made it! She's amazing like you...just started knitting 1-2 years ago...pretty much self-taught through the internet and she's knitted more than I could in a lifetime already!
You "youngsters" are so talented and you FINISH things! What a novel idea! LOL!
I've been trying to join Pinterest, but I'm still waiting - if someone could send me an invite, I would really appreciate it! My e-mail is andrea.hungerford@mac.com.
I would love an invite to the new site! I am enjoying you on the craftsy workshop too as I have purchased two of your classes. You are a very warm and inviting teacher!
Thanks from a Canadian friend
deb
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