When someone says, "I do believe this is my new favorite wool," you cannot take that statement without a few concerns and questions running through your head. Such a strong statement! But, alas, I do believe it is true in this case:
Shepherd's Wool by Stonehedge Fiber Mill in Michigan has quite a wool on their hands. So soft, yet plenty sturdy because it is a multi-ply. Worsted weight, this impressive 4 ounce skein has 250 yards. It is bouncy and completely wonderful. And it is 100% wool. Period. That is it. Though it may be hard to see in the photo, Lilac is a purple that I would almost call a heather with all the different shades hopping around in there. Remember my vacation knitting in Lego Land? The yarn magically transformed into:
My scalloped vest, Lauren and it only required 3 hanks! Size 1 (pictured) fits 36"-42" bust (mine measures 42" in the pic) because the lace is so stretchy, when blocking you can stop at the size you want. Size 2 only requires 3 hanks as well (44" - 50") with size 3 (52"- 60") requiring 4 hanks. Plus, it is seamless so you can have this baby off the needles in no time. A 3 needle bind off finishes the shoulders and the neck and arm bands are added after blocking. I do include a step-by-step picture tutorial on the 3 needle bind off. The lace looks complicated, but it is a super easy pattern with a P3tog as the hardest stitch. You needles will be sailing in no time at all. The back is all the lace stitch.
Ren at Purl Yarn Boutique has the vest sitting pretty in the front window if you want to see what happens when you try it on. The Shepherd's Wool comes in a vast array of colors and Ren has them on hand and ready. The pattern can be picked up there too for $4.95. As always, my retail patterns for purchase (instead of a PDF download) are formatted in a half-sheet booklet in a protective zip top bag, perfect for your knitting bag.
Look what else I purchased at Purl:
Moment of silence. This beautiful bag has even better contents:
(The 2s are already busy at work and are not in the pouch any longer.) HiyaHiya interchangeable needles with four cords. You say, "No big deal! Interchangeable needles, that's old news!" Don't go yet... First of all, they are steel needles and I do think they are lighter than my beloved Addi's, though I cannot prove that with any amount of science. But this is what they DO have: swivels at the bottom of the cord. No more twisted cords. Period.
I didn't think I cared until I test knit these little babies at Ren's Yarn TNNA party where we got to chat about all the exciting new items she is buying for the store (see her blog on June 26 of this year) and TNNA in general. It was such a interesting and festive evening (all adult, I might add -- I left my kiddos at home). You must come to the next one. She and her hubby really know how to throw a party.
Another reason to consider these lovelies -- you don't have to buy a ginormous set. I use only smaller needles typically and this set with US 2s through 8s was $85. Much better. Plus a nice case with extra pockets for whatever.
On a non-related note, though an enjoyable one, I just finished this teen book, What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen:
I have wanted to read her for quite some time and I am glad I did. This is an engaging teen novel (with only a smidge of language and no sex if you care) about a girl who is dealing with life post-parents divorce and all the issues surrounding the rocking of her world. Well done, funny and perfect for the teen in your life who needs a beach read. Sarah has many other novels as well.
Knit (and read) on.
P.S. Sorry this one is so small, but my brother took this pic on his phone and I couldn't resist not sharing:
Isn't that the cutest pic of my kiddos and the Great Paige, their cousin?
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