what the swatch shows

I took my concerns about the "rope-y" feel of this yarn to some of the dyers on Ravelry. Their suggestion? Swatch, wash and block, and then decide. Well that's sensible, isn't it? So that's exactly what I did. Knit a dozen or so rows of rib, soaked for half an hour or so in Eucalan, and laid flat to dry. What a difference! The softness and squishiness typical of Merino wool is back. I'm so very relieved. And a little embarrassed - I guess I'm doomed to learn the importance of swatching over and over again.

... running off to cast on my first Glynis sock ...

natural dye question

Not much on needles right now. My head tells me to start the sweater, but my imagination is telling me to start another shawl. I thought a compromise might work, and cast on a sock yesterday. Glynis from Cookie A's book, Sock Innovation. But the yarn felt "rope-y" not at all soft or stretchy - more like a dishcloth cotton. I ripped it out but now I'm perplexed. The yarn is 100% merino. Can a natural dye process change the texture of the yarn? Will it soften up after a wash or two in Eucalan?

While I ponder that, I'm knitting more hats for Burera Hospital in Rwanda. The celery green hat is done, and a pink one has been started. My hat production has slowed as my work schedule has picked up. Which is very good news in this economy. It's nice to have knitting time at work, but worrying to have lots of time to knit! I'm changing up the ribbing at the brim of the hat to K4P2. That still leaves plenty of stretch. Comparing stockinette to seed stitch, Gavin chose in favour of stockinette, so I'll go back to that style for the main body of the hat. And knit an entire rainbow of hats.

finished shawl

Last night I completed and blocked my Swallowtail Shawl lace project referring to this tutorial from the Yarn Harlot. This morning I unpinned and admired my finished shawl. The fabric created from gossamer thin yarn and openwork patterns is so light and wispy - unlike anything I've ever knit before. And knitting lace really gives you an appreciation for the pattern designer. The leaves bud out from centre very symmetrically and one lace pattern blends into the next. Very nice, indeed. Feels like a magic trick. Anything I'd do differently? Use a handpainted yarn and use a larger needle to end up with a bigger shawl.

With grey skies and seemingly never ending drizzle, my photo of the finished shawl is somewhat less triumphant than I'd like. As soon as Mother Nature cooperates, I'll schedule a retake. But in the meantime, what's next on the needles? As much as I'm taken with lace, there isn't much lace weight yarn in my stash. Maybe it's time to get started on a sweater. Because if I wait until cooler weather to start, I won't finish in time to wear it.

ready to block

After taking a break from my lace project, I picked it up again. What a difference a day makes! I don't know why I had so much trouble with that last lace section. The only thing I can figure was that I was misreading the instructions - something that would be sorted out with fresh eyes and a clear head. So the knitting is done and the elastic cast off complete. Leaving me the tasks of weaving in the ends and blocking to do tonight. Can't wait to see it!

For my on-the-go project, I've been working on another hat for the newborns at Burera Hospital in Rwanda. This time with the main part of the hat worked in seed stitch, in a cheerful celery green. Depending on my work schedule, I may have time to finish this today as well!

a break from lace

After finishing the Lily of the Valley lace section, I threaded through another LifeLine, just in case. And boy, am I ever glad I did! I've had to rip back to that LifeLine three times. I just can't seem to get the lace border section right. More than a little frustrated I put aside my lace project, instead knitting this newborn sized hat for the Burera Hospital in Rwanda. I'm using up some Shepherd 4 ply baby wool I bought last year. With the babies in primitive, often damp shelters and exposed to open cooking fires, wool seemed to be the way to go. Can you imagine, the hospital delivered quadruplets to a local Rwandan woman by natural childbirth last week !?! 

the lace adventure continues

When a fellow Raveler commented about "a near nervous breakdown on chart 3A&B" I was concerned. Maybe the Lily of the Valley lace section was really complicated? As it turns out, nope. The near nervous breakdown probably had more to do with all those P5tog. They are a nuisance!

As it stands I'm nearly through the Lily of the Valley section, leaving the lacy border and scalloped lace edging to do. Doesn't sound like much, but the shawl is triangular - each row is longer than the last. Right now, I'm at 231 stitches and counting. Think I'll put it aside until tomorrow.

the amazing addi turbos

KNIT FASTER WITH THE AMAZING addi TURBO® LACE

Yeah right, I thought, but I need sharp tips so I bit my lip and bought the most expensive needles I've ever owned. And now, several repeats later, I'm glad I did. With sharp tips I can pick up the loops for knitting quickly, cleanly and accurately. Faster, as advertised.

My enthusiasm for this little lace project threatens to carry me away. Already, I'm entertaining thoughts of knitting shawls and scarves for everyone I know. And losing hours of my workday browsing dreamily through the Ravelry pattern database. One thing at a time, though. Let's just see how the Lily of the Valley lace section goes!