Sunday, March 20, 2011

Guernsey is not just another wrap

This simple rectangle knit and purl wrap is a most versatile one and one that I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. The Guernsey Wrap was an easy flowing knit and would be just perfect for many beginning knitters.

I used the Sewn Bind Off method that was recommended and love the result. My bind offs can be a tad tight (even when going up a couple of needle sizes) and I found this new method to have that easy elastic result I always have desired! Going forward, this will be my bind off of choice.

Blocking wires were used to allow for extreme stretching of the knit and to maintain a crisp, straight edge on all sides. I purchased a set of blocking wires especially for this piece (I have already used them twice :)) and thrilled with the results. My finished Guernsey has fabulous dimensions and drape as the result of a good 20 minute soak and blocking.

Now let's talk about the new Brooklyn Tweed "Shelter" fiber. Trust me, there will be more Shelter delivered to my house. The fiber is 100% US Targhee-Columbia wool and was so pleasing to knit. Look here to see the full process taking place right here in the United States in Harrisville, NH....it's a place I would love to visit some day.

The Skinny:
Pattern: Guernsey Wrap
(Jared Flood)
Fiber: Shelter - Brooklyn Tweed
Content: 100% American Wool
Yards: 140 yds/50 g
Amount: 5 Skeins
Needles: US #7
Tools: Blunt Tapestry Needle
Blocking Wires & T-Pins


This is not just another wrap, but a real work horse of a wrap full of fisherman inspired texture that I will love and enjoy for years!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Pamuya

Today is a dreary and gloomy day here in North Carolina, certainly not an ideal day for a photo shoot. But what the heck, I decided to get over that and take a few shots of my latest completed project, Pamuya. What a shame I couldn't capture the sparkles in the fiber, it truly is lovely and you will just have to take my word on this one. With only 450 yards of Dream in Color-Starry, I had to make a smaller version of Pamuya. This resulted in a nice size shawlette....always wonderful for easy office and running around wear. Actually a total of 22 rows were eliminated prior to knitting the final wave border pattern. I was pleased with the results and think it didn't jeopardize the beauty of the piece.
What a delightful pattern. So much so, I already have purchased 2 skeins of this for yet another Pamuya. The next one will be considerably larger (knit per pattern) and in natural tones.

This project was my first experience using Blocking Wires! Where have they been all my life??? Anyone that knits lace simply must invest in a tube of these little precious jewels. It was a little time consuming weaving the wire in and out of the stitches, but the results are Fabulous and you are ensured of that perfectly straight, sharp edge!! You a lace knitting and don't have these...what ya waiting for??