Handspun yarns have their own plans

My original intention was to spin yarn to knit a Sunny Days Shawlette for a friend who enjoys fresh colours. But, as I had heard, Merino/Tencel blends are not easy to spin into a fine thread.

 I intentionally spun it loose so that the yarn would bloom, as I feel this suits asnuggly shawl with a stockinette body. I split the roving down the centre and then spun the 2 sections separately.  I then plied them together and hoped for about 280 meters.
 The result is a lovely worsted yarn, 114 grams with 210 meters. Not what I had planned for, but look how pretty it is...

... it inspired me...

Since this would not work for the Sunny Days Shawlette,  I came up with a few ideas. After testing all three, I settled on the last A Spring Rain Shawlette.

Here it is on my needles:

Its not easy to see the design in the photo, it is a ladder stitch that should, once blocked, give the appearance of spring rains in a beautiful garden.

I have not figured out the edging yet, but will think more about this as I get closer to the end.

Have a wonderful Mothers Day, and keep your needles busy.

xx
Carle'

Wednesdays Threads

My big WIP [work in progress] is my Sunny Days Shawlette. I have spun my first half of my roving and last night made great progress on the second half. If tonight goes well, then I should finish it and then will ply tomorrow. I sure hope I have spun it thin enough, to knit the entire project.

How is yours Sunny Days Shawlette coming along? - for info on how to get your free copy , read previous posts.

Its late, so sadly cant take a nice photo of my spinning, but can show you a toy that I have been designing, I just need to type it up so that it is readable.

Aint Mr Slinky cute? He can cross his hands

He needed a friend, so here is Mr Dinky. I think he looks like a space alien...

Joining Small things for this weeks Yarn Along.

Happy knitting Everyone!

Sunny Days Shawlette Tutorial

I've had several questions regarding the set up for the Sunny days Shawlette and I really want to help. So I've done this tutorial for you all and I hope it helps you understand better.

Cast on and knit the 6 rows

 I used two toothpicks to demonstrate the picking up of the stitches

 Knit the 3 sts on the first toothpick

then knit the 3 sts on the next toothpick. As you can see, your 3 middle stitches are perpendicular to the needle and these will form the body of the shawlette. the other 3 side stitches ultimately become the edging. 

Happy Knitting!

Hugs

Carle

The little things that really help....

....Stitch markers
I sure do like stitch markers, but those dingle dangles drive me mad!I suppose they do make your knitting pretty, but they are just not my style and irritate me. I knit far to fast to want to be slowed down by stitch markers.
 So I came up with a solution, and used a knotted piece of yarn, but this was not ideal as the ends got woven into my knitting as I change stitches. While the yarn just slips out, it does leave a slight ladder :(

My hunt for the perfect stitch marker has obsessed me! And I have the soloution..

These are so pretty and pratical, they elegantly mark the spot. These type of stitch markers are my go-to markers, I love them. I like the ring to be at least 2mm bigger than the needle size I am using so that they transfer across the needles easily.

Bright Lightening

And while these are my favourites, I saw these and HAD to have a pair! The colours are such fun and I convinced myself that the small enamel tokens wont get in my way. I am eager for them to arrive so that I can let you all know what I think of them.

Confetti

I think they will be great on the needles, each one is unique so will be helpful with complicated patterns. 

Lady Danio makes all sorts of stitch markers, so pop on over to Exchanging Fire and check them out, you are sure to find something that is perfect for your needles.

Happy Knitting Everyone!

oh... and a sneak peak at my spinning for my Sunny Days Shawlette, the colours are lovely, fresh and happy. This is a surprise present for a special person.

joining Natural Suburbia for Creative Friday