So much of my knitting is unseen -- both real and virtual boxes of swatches are sent via slow mail and email to yarn companies and magazines. Though I do enjoy knitting period, part of my new revised life plan (always under construction) is to make sure I am taking more time for me, with no other grand agenda.
Thus, I finally finished the reknit of my favorite vest, officially called The Skye Tweed Vest in Ravelry:
The great Cecily Glowik MacDonald, as you remember, designed this one. In fact, this blog may be only pictures of this vest to various individuals in different yarns.
I put my shoulder stitches on stitch holders (or random sock yarn as it turns out) to join later using the 3 needle bind off. The extra yarn floating like the cotton in the air recently (so Willy Wonka don't you think?) I wind on bobbins before washing and then unwind them so the yarn dries properly. It is left over from one side's straps and ready for the 3 needle bind off. That way I don't have to add another end to weave in later.
I also want to show you this auspicious beast:
Yes, it looks like a random bit of grey nothing, but it actually is my new blocking board. It is one of 8 (I think) in a pack at Costco in the car/tools area mismarketed as floor for your garage! Ha! They interlock in case more space is needed for gigantor projects. Wonderfully, one whole front and/or back (seen previously for my vest) fits on one foam board. The t-pins sink satisfyingly into the foam and, best of all, they were only $12 for the whole set. They are so portable and lightweight -- instead of pinning my vest to the floor with towels, I was able to put it outside yesterday for a bit in our perfect weather. Lovely, lovely, lovely. They do smell funny when first taken out of the package. I let them enjoy the great outdoors overnight and then all was well.
I also finished another little gift to myself:
It is also Cecily's: a free pattern Winged. I knit it in the actual yarn the pattern calls for, Princess (gasp!) from Wild Purls, a lovely denim blue, color #3457. I have a fabulous little ball of white super softness for the heart and wings that has to be dug out of the depths of my stash. Princess is 40% merino, 28% viscos, 10% cashmere, 15% nylon and 7% angora. Splendid knitting. Because my head is so big, I knit a bit looser than gauge and I did need a second ball. Added to the fact most of the hat is knit in seed stitch (total yarn sucker!) and now I have most of a second ball for a second lovely project.
This next trick does not belong in any category or any sort:
Yes, I am baking yarn! At least gently. I learned this trick from The Yarn Harlot many moons ago. Whenever I get antsy for something to dry, I now turn the oven on to 200 or 250 and leave the door open, with the knitting cookie inside. When you smell alpaca, you know you have gone too far! With samples I need to mail out or take pictures of (as in this case) this new little trick has saved many an overnight waiting job I could ill afford to have. Add it to your arsenal, but I cannot be responsible for any knitting going up in flames. (Gasp! And yet to happen to me -- tiny hooray!)
Knit on.
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