Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Whatcha Working On?

Colder weather always gets me in the mood to knit. Maybe it's the cozy wool in my hands. Maybe it's the excuse to sit on the couch in front of the fireplace. Maybe it's the desire to bundle up in one-of-a-kind accessories when I do venture outdoors. For whatever reason though, I have been knitting a lot these last couple months.

First, I whipped up a quick Hitchhiker scarf from a couple skeins of Knit Picks Imagine in the Damsel colorway. This yarn was part of my very first Knit Picks order, meaning it's been in my stash for upwards of 6 years. I pretty much knit this pattern as is with no modifications, which is almost unheard of for me.

Hitchhiker ScarfHitchhiker Scarf

After that, I pulled out the yarn I brought back from our Hawaiian vacation a couple years ago. The grey is spun from alpacas native to the Big Island, and the green is cashmere that was hand-dyed in Hawaii. Together, they became a Howlcat - half cowl, half hat. It's a simple tube, made of two different colors and gauges of yarn that, when folded in certain ways...

Hawaiian Howlcat

...can be worn as a hat, inside or out...

Hawaiian HowlcatHawaiian Howlcat

...or as a cowl inside or out.

Hawaiian HowlcatHawaiian Howlcat

I made a couple modifications to this pattern. I increased the number of stitches when transitioning from grey to green to accommodate the smaller gauge than the pattern used. I also chose to work a hemmed edge, rather than a rolled one. I definitely prefer it with the green side inward against my skin and the grey side outward because, you know, cashmere.

Hawaiian Howlcat

And this past week, with a sudden urge to cast on something new, I decided to give double knitting a whirl. I've played around with it before, but never worked up an entire project with this technique. I chose the Trapper Cowl pattern and some Plymouth Galway Paint (color #803) and Lion Wool (#099 Winter White) from my stash.

Gingham CowlGingham Cowl

I used Judy's magic cast on to create a tubular edge, and then I grafted the final stitches together so the bind off would match. I love the reversibility of the double knitting, as well as the thick, squishy fabric it creates.

Gingham CowlGingham Cowl

So how about you? What projects have you started or completed recently? What new crafts/techniques have you tried?

6 comments:

  1. I took up Loom Knitting this Winter, before than I only did crochet. I sew year round, but only work with yarn when it's cooler out. :o)

    The Howlcat is so neat! I want to try making one now. And I am so impressed with the double knit!!!

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also learned crochet first and did that for maybe 6 months before teaching myself to knit. Each has its pros and cons, but I prefer knitting. And yes, my sewing definitely picks up in the summer when it's too hot for a wool sweater-in-progress on your lap.

      Delete
  2. Wow I love those Howlcats! I have never seen something like it but I will make a few for next winter, ideal gifts as well, thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, they're super easy to make. And you just give it a twist before folding one half down on the other to make a hat out of it instead of a cowl.

      Delete
  3. I completed a sweater and took photos this past weekend :) Currently I'm knitting a childrens cardigan for my niece and I've also got my first twined knit going on. That double knit looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've tried twined knitting (to be honest, I had to google it just now). Looks interesting!

      Delete