It is also a lace pattern, and I knit it in Elsebeth Lavold Chunky, a beautifully soft angora and wool mix.
It was not easy to knit and I went wrong on the lace pattern several times, but it was so lovely to handle that I actually got about as far as the picture above TWICE, and then frogged (ripped it out) back and did it again to try to get it right. This yarn is largely responsible for my slow conversion into a Yarn Snob. Until a few months ago I considered myself happy to knit with just about anything, and stoutly defended acrylic yarns for their washability and general baby friendliness. But Elsebeth Lavold is a great seductress, and the fabulous orange color has a bit of yellow around the edges and it shines in certain lights and when no one is looking you can rub the ball against your cheek and wonder how many rabbits it took to make a 50g skein.
And here it is finished:
There are a few errors in the lace but it is beautifully soft and warm. And Jessica even borrowed it to wear to the high school regional cross-country championships up in Fort Worth, where it was really cold.
And here it is after Keira got a hold of it one day last month while I was at work.
Yes. All that work, and genius in the design and the spinning fell victim to canine neuroses. And after all the badness that for some reason tormented her despite all the love and training we tried to give her, and after all the tears and frustration I went through when one of the painters she'd bitten bit kicked her in the head weeks later right in front of me while she was muzzled in my own kitchen, and after all the times I've had to remind Fred since then that Keira is not coming back... I decided I have to push back against this negativity. Knitting always feels positive - an act of creation. I recently read about a young impoverished knitter buying thrift shop sweaters and unravelling them for the quality yarn, and really, Elsebeth is worth it. So I spent a peaceful hour on New Year's Day unravelling it, separating the chewed and ruined ends and pulling apart the fuzz-locked strands, and I have a little over half the yarn recovered and wound into a ball.
I have another 50g skein of it in my closet, too. So maybe it will be something bigger than a hat this time.
2 comments:
I found your blog by just clicking next blog!! I've read a little of your archives as well. I enjoyed reading the differences between nursing boards here and the UK, as well as duties that were or weren't performed by an RN in each place. Interestingly enough I have to say, I don't work any longer as I contracted MRSA back in Feb of 1994 and have since lost my R kidney and my bladder as well. You are a very busy person I see but if you get a chance to take look at my blog I'd appricate. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for sharing your family!!
Marie
Nice blog I i just enjoyed your blog thanks for sharing.
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