Easter Blessings

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Completed – Palatki Wrap

I really enjoyed this project and the yarn.  The yarn is a very soft “Desert Bloom Yarn” available from Sedona Knit Wits  (see previous post for more info).

This was my first attempt at Mosaic Knitting (there are MANY posts about this technique – a quick Google search will provide both videos and blog posts). It was fast, enjoyable, and kept my interest – particularly, this southwest-style pattern.

I forgot that the yarn is a silk blend, and I was a bit aggressive in blocking.  The final product is still lovely and soft, but definitely without any give.

Blocking – Cable Embrace

I started this project in May 2016 (link to post).  while I really enjoyed the pattern and yarn, the project frequently was interrupted by other projects and priorities.  I think it languished for a year lacking only one sleeve.

Finally, perhaps prompted by the arctic weather the past few weeks, I pulled out the project, finished the sleeve, and am in the process of blocking and assembling.

The sweater is Cable Embrace, from Knit Picks.  This is a terrific, slightly-fitted cardigan sweater.  The chevron cables are a simple, but interesting, design element.  I modified the sleeves to echo the chevron design since I was put off a bit by the reverse-straight stitch sleeves in the pattern.

The yarn is also from Knit Picks – City Tweed DK in Brocade colorway.  I have been happy with the products from Knit Picks – good quality and good variety.

After blocking and assembly, the final phase is knitting the band around the neck and front and adding buttons.  The end is in sight.

 

Casting On- New Techniques- Palatki Wrap

When I travel, I try to find and visit local yarn shops to see what is being manufactured (or dyed) locally.  On our December trip to Sedona, AZ (one of my favorite spots for hiking!) I visited Sedona Knit Wits and was not disappointed.

The store is typical of most LYS I visit when traveling – a small shop in a strip mall.  Like most, it had a “knitting table” where knitting groups or classes can congregate.  This table was right inside the front door and was full of ladies knitting and chatting.  The store is well stocked and very welcoming, with a knowledgable sales person ready to answer any questions.  If you are ever in Sedona – don’t miss this stop!

The yarn is Desert Bloom Yarn, an Arizona-dyed yarn that is named for the local flora and culture.  The colors are Indian Blanket (the brown with red tones) and Ironwood (the grey).  Unfortunately, the day the picture was taken was dark and cloudy, so the artificial light makes the brown look more orange, and the dark grey looks more brown.  The yarn is fingering and works up to a very soft and drapey fabric.  I look forward to the blocked finished project.

The pattern is Palatki Wrap, by Sandra Butler, available for purchase from Ravelry.  Not only was there a sample in the store which immediately caught my eye, but the designer herself was knitting with the group at the table!  Talk about your local culture!

This wrap is knit in mosaic style, with the pattern color changes made with slipped stitches.  It is a very easy, fast, and enjoyable technique, and this particular pattern is soothing and rhythmic to knit.  I’m enjoying this so much that I  regret not trying this technique earlier.

Come to Sedona for the view – stay for the knitting! 

What to do when it comes back to you

My grandmother passed away late last summer.  In cleaning out her things, my aunt found some knitted wearables I made for her and returned them to me.  I am wondering what to do with them.  These are not colors I would wear and it seems a little off-putting to re-gift them to someone else.  I might end up donating them to our local Thrift Shop, so at least someone will have the use of them.

Meanwhile, they evoke fond memories when I see them in my completed projects drawer, so I might need some time before giving them away.

Adapting Projects – Leafy Baby Blanket into Scarf

I really like the pattern, but did not want to make a baby blanket out of it.  Instead, I wanted to experiment with two skeins of Lion Brand Heartland (color 180 Kings Canyon), which is a very soft and light worsted weight yarn.

The adaptation was simply – just fewer repeats.  What you see in the photo is the second time through – the first time (first skein), had one fewer repeat, and it was too narrow for my liking.  This is much nicer, and will make a very soft and warm scarf.

Pattern is free on Ravelry:  Leafy Baby Blanket by Leyla Alieva.

 

 

Knitting Afghans in the Cold

Brrr – the weather is fully winter here in Indiana.  I’ve been working on an afghan for a loved one, and realized I don’t think I’ve posted anything about it.

Meet Exquisite, the cover project from Leisure Arts Big Book of Quick Knit Afghans.  I’ve made several afghans from this book, and enjoy it very much.  The projects are fairly easy, beautiful in design, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.  What makes the project “quick” is that every project is designed to knit with two strands at a time.

In this case, I’m mixing it up a bit (not that you can tell), by using one strand of Encore Tweed by Plymouth Yarn in color 1363 Oatmeal, and one strand Encore Worsted by Plymouth Yarn in color 0240 Taupe.

In a way, this is a “stash-buster” project – Both yarns were originally purchased for projects that went other directions.  I did not have enough of either for an entire afghan, but plenty if I use one of each, and the results are quite nice.

I don’t think I’m half-way completed on this project, but it’s a good time of year to be working on afghans – keep warm and knit!