Sometimes we just wanna have fun! And the projects we choose will quite often reflect that mindset. Right now I am working on the pattern for Cossack. It is almost done, but I have hit a little snag – a pair of mittens to be exact.
There was just enough Dolce Vita left to cuff a pair of mittens! I have knit the first and started on the second, but I need another ball of the Alfa. So I will continue on them tonight! Meanwhile the pattern is basically written. I need to add a bonus mitten pattern now – it won’t take long – the mitten itself is really basic but so much fun!
Irish has tails – or at least one is knit. I have decided to give Irish a cut-away front with a vented back with tails – short rows – lots of them. The sleeves will have a gentle (in other words, not too big) bell shape. I am going to edge the sleeves and body with a little welting, instead of ribbing. The neck and back vent will have button detailing. I can see it clear as day in my head. And at the rate I am going I will be able to wear it in not too long!
Yarn-Over is a fabulous yarn. I have knit it quite firmly, right now it is close to 18 st/4in. It will block to 16 st/4in. Emily (my friend and boss) informs me that Irish is quite the plainest sweater I have ever knit. I really did want the yarn to have center stage!
Why play? I am taking next week off of work. I am not sure what I will doing – knitting of course – but as for the rest of the time – nothing is planned. Maybe some shopping in Victoria, a drive up to Courtney…… no plans, just time. Have you got any suggestions? What do you do in your “play” time? A project that was just simply fun, or an activity that makes you smile, please feel free to share.
If it was summer I would have some knitting to paint! But I do have projects to finish; Citron is so close, maybe I should finish it off; so is Chinese Opera; Eerie; and Purple “Wrap”sody. Let see what I can finish!
Maybe I’ll start something new! OHH!
Happy Knitting
Lynette
A couple of years ago my husband and I took the girls to the South of Chile. It was a “real” holiday, driving around, staying in little hotels or cabins, exploring. We had a great time, and because my husband knows how much I like fibre we visited markets and places that sold hand spun yarns. I bought some yarn, huge wooden knitting needles, and a Mapuche drop spindle. As we drove around I played with my new toys and knitted a huge, chunky, long scarf for my husband.
So I guess that would be a perfect play time for me, exploring new places with my family, and with some yarn thrown in!
A perfect combination – family, travel and knitting! Nice husband, and lucky husband!
My children are grown up now. But we try to spend the important days together and keep in close touch the rest on the time. I miss the family vacations. But now, travel and knitting can take center stage. If only life didn’t complicate matters! LOL!!
What does a Mapuche drop spindle look like? Is shaped like a regular spindle or is there something specifically unique to it?
I am not sure if the spindle I bought is “really” Mapuche, but it was in an area where they live. It is big and heavy, quite thick. I thought it was used like a support spindle, but then I saw a woman using one like a drop spindle. The hand spun yarn from that area is usually thick singles.
I don’t use the spindle much, (I thought it was too heavy) but it actually spins very well, no wobble. I use spindles my Dad brought me from Peru, smaller but more wobble. I will have to put a picture on my blog!
I would love to see a picture of them both! My daughter worked for 2 weeks at a textile museum in Cuzcos (sp?). You live in an area of the world with a very long and strong textile history! Only one of the reasons that it is on my list!
Chile is south of Peru, but I beleive that a lot of the history is shared!