Another Poncho.

This was a simple poncho to knit and construct.  It is basically a rectangle knit in broken rib, with a simple seam to create this nice wrap.  I'm not crazy about the yarn choice (stashed Cascade superwash that I had bought on sale), therefore I should probably make another one in something a bit yummier.  I have some merino fiber that I'm dreaming of spinning into something really soft.... we shall see!

Handspun Poncho

This poncho has been a labor of love.  I loved every second of making it, from spinning the yarn, to designing and knitting it.  I started the poncho at the top with the darkest and thinnest of the two-ply yarn, and proceeded to work to the bottom with the lightest and thickest of the yarn.  And there are variations, believe me.   I was learning as I went along.  And being the beginner that I am, I didn’t take any notes as I was going.  So all of the technical data is long gone, and all that remains is this perfectly fitting and functional addition to my fall and winter wardrobe.  It is rustic and feminine, with all of its nubs and imperfections. 



Pattern:  My own (adaptation of a poncho in the Winter 2002 issue of Vogue Knitting)
Yarn:  My own handspun which is a two-ply, active twist, Romney in the natural grey color.  It rranges in weight from worsted to bulky.  To accomodate this I started on a size 11 needle, and gradually increased to a size 13 to finish.

  

Lace Tunic

I don’t know how I ever lived without this tunic.  I wear it all the time, layered over anything from a white t-shirt with jeans to a dress.  And because it is linen, I can wash and dry it, and wear it for many seasons to come.... Perfect.

And  what a joy to make.  The Euroflax linen was easy enough to manage in the simple lace patterns periodically broken up with sections of stockinette.  On a size 8 needle, it was a relatively quick knit as well, made entirely on a week-long trip home to visit my Dad.

Pattern:  Jordan   http://www.knitandtonic.net/knitandtonic/2010/05/jordan.html
Yarn:  Euroflax linen, 2.5 skeins, natural color

Here's a preview of a little something I'm working on for the Fibershed....

Sonoma County Fair

Many talented spinners had their yarns on display at the Sonoma County Fair.  I took refuge from the scorching heat, and ambled through the displays of yarns, knitting, and crochet.  Sonoma County has an abundance of fiber artists!  I am inspired to enter something next year.

Smoke and Mirrors Smock

This pattern is from the book "Handmade Underground Knitwear" by Laura Long and Melissa Halvorson.  Since the weather here has warmed up, I've worn it alot.  Love it.  It was a really quick knit, and it was a lesson in finishing techniques.  It was made in nine separate pieces that are sewn together in the end (or in my case single-crocheted).  Really fun to make!

Fibershed

So this is what's been keeping me so busy!  I love using local fibers, and this is no exception!  So much fun to make....

More Waves

 I loved making and wearing hitchhiker so much that I wanted to make one for my Mom!  For this one, I used Madelinetosh Light in the Parchment colorway.  I love the gold, white, and tan hues that come together so nicely with garter stitch.  This was my first time using this yarn, and I'm afraid I might be addicted. Oh, I didn't want this project to ever end! 

I love how this can be worn as a little shawlette or wrapped around the neck like a scarf.  The 100% merino is so unbelievably soft as well. I know my Mom is going to love it.  The colors are going to be so beautiful on her.  I was working on it while visiting her last week, so she has already seen it.  I meant to have it completed and give it to her then, but it ended up taking a little longer.  Actually it was the perfect project for the plane ride both ways.

Now the question is... what's next? 

Making Waves

I've just returned from vacation in Mexico.  This was my view much of the time.  I picked the perfect project to take along without even realizing it at the time.  As the waves were forming on the side of my shawl, I was watching waves crash in the mighty Pacific Ocean.  I did a little surfing myself, but mostly enjoyed sitting on the beach, knitting away....

I hope you are as blessed to be working on such an enjoyable project and perhaps briefly escaping from your winter too, wherever that may be.     

Next up...

A lovely shawlette, called hitchhiker.  All garter stitch, divine!  And I'm using some sock yarn from stash called Socrates, a blend of baby alpaca, merino wool, and bamboo.  Love!