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!

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??

a very very starry Pamuya Shawl

Finally a project knit with my stash yarn, Dream in Color, Starry! This is a sock weight yarn with small silver fiber (flecks). Once the piece is blocked I think the silver will really "stand out" and make for a even prettier shawl.

The pattern is tons of delight to knit that allows no time for boredom. I especially like the wave pattern repeat with the dropped stitches.

k...I have been in a sewing mood lately and have three knitting project bags to show for that mood. Actually I'm using one of them for this very project, isn't it fun!
Can you see the little silver flecks?? L.O.V.E

Pamuya Shawl Details?

Fiber: Dream in Color - Starry

98% Australian Merino/2% Silver Fibers

Spun and Hand-Dyed

Sock Weight

Color: Dusky Aurora (Blues)

Needle: US - #4

Malabrigo Winter Projects

Just Enough Ruffles is knit with less than 2 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted. These skeins of #157-Amoroso were purchased some time ago specially for this piece. Trust me, there will be another one or two of these knitted on my needles. I have already made a note on my pattern to cast on 20 more stitches and add 4 more ruffle rows on the next Just Enough Ruffles.

Marian is below! L.O.V.E. because this is fun, instant (almost instant) results, colorful and warm . I really do love it even more than I thought I would.

I am seriously not all that into needles over a size US 9, but Marian knit on #15 needles is such a rapid knit I found it to be quite enjoyable...yea...even with all that seed stitch. Let's face it, it doesn't take much to entertain me when knitting is involved.

Malabrigo-Rasta in the colorway Solis-#809: "Rocks"!

a little thing..........

...with a big impact! Love.Love.Love. this one. This is the Drops Headband in Alaska pattern, that simply put...is Fabulous! AND what a wonderful gift giving item.

My headband was knit with Nashua - Vignette (used just a tad over 1 skein) on #9 needles. The color selection was #0013-Patina.

If you are looking for a simple flower/corsage then this one could be the one. Go to: http://www.ivillage.co.uk/how-knit-a-flower-corsage/79598 for the pattern. I chose to knit my flower with Cascade 220.

seconds please

This is my second Koigu Ruffled Neck Wrap. Yeah, the one with 972 stitch cast on and 972 stitch bind off! I knit my second one in 8 days with much of it accomplished while waiting in the hospital waiting room. The Gardener had his second knee replacement....I'm seriously talking about seconds here I guess. He is actually doing much better with this one than the first. The swelling and pain level has been minimum which has made this process much easier for us both. Of course there will be many many weeks of rehab, but it helps to know the worst is behind us and only improvement in the future. Again I used 3 skeins of Koigu fiber for this wrap in the color #P834. The green/wine/orange colorway is to be adored and I love working it with browns and greens.

Akimbo Shawl

This triangular shawl is a Stephen West design that is knit from the neck edge with easy garter stitch that finishes with a chevron pattern. The chevron section of contrasting color adds a burst of visual interest and makes for a bit of final excitement! I used a skein of Madelinetosh sock yarn (color #7154-Kale) and one skein of ShiBui sock yarn (#3601) on US #6 needles. While I really prefer to knit and wear a larger shawl, I find times they simply aren't practical in the same way a smaller scarf might be. Smaller scarfs are just the thing when conducting everyday life both at and outside the office. Not only are they easy to wear, but they add a great "pop" of color to any outfit.A lovely knit! After a few small projects I'm looking forward to my next LARGE knit! It's seriously a secret gift and All plans are in the works. Heck.... I can tell you guys 'cause it's for Mom and she doesn't read my blog. She has done everything but purchase yarn, place it in my lap with a note telling me it wants to be a throw for her. So I have finally found The Perfect One just for her! This one will be on the needles within the week!!