Purple and black - possibly best categorized as a novelty yarn, it was in a mixed bag of yarn I bought at a charity shop primarily for some blue double knitting wool in the bag. (I'm collecting colours to make this…)
There isn't enough of this to make anything useful and it's a real struggle to knit - big needles, yarn that refuses to slide, either along the needles or through itself, and probably not wool or not 100% wool so has very low stretch/resilience in it. It also has thick bits and very thin bits. The result is very rough looking knitting. I've started the ribbing for a hat and plan to finish the crown in a plain purple or black that is easier to knit.
From time to time I do silly projects like this (rather than throwing the stuff back in a donation bag) just to remind myself why I usually knit in 4ply on 2.5mm needles; put simply because 4ply is easier. It flows. The finished fabric is even and, to me, pleasing. Cabling and patterned stitches stand out better and if the garment seems too light for a winter at higher latitudes then I can always knit lining.
Another charity shop 'also included' was a cone of denim blue multi stranded yarn. It too is a pig to work with as the strands are not actually spun or twisted together and regularly split or part company with one another. At least it produces an even result and is being crocheted into a summer cardigan. I'm not a fan of crocheted garments but decided to try and convince myself otherwise. If I don't like wearing it, it can go back to a charity shop in its metamorphosed form.
All worthy activities for winter evenings in a caravan with no TV and flakey internet reception.
Joining up with Yam Aunty's Saturday Stitchery. Check out what these other bloggers have on their needles:
(PS the patchwork is a project my parents commissioned off me about 35 years ago, returned to me after they had both passed away.)
I have tried knitting intermittently over the years but end up shoving it all back in the bag in frustration. I admire your skill and patience.
ReplyDeleteI love the first yarn. The colour reminds me of purple Heather.
ReplyDeleteI like the subtle colours in the patchwork.
ReplyDeleteYes, fine yarns make a much nicer fabric. Speed in construction is not everything!
That should be a nice summer top, whether you keep it or move it on.
In those days all my patchwork was made of sample fabrics and offcuts from a curtain shop's remnants bin.
DeleteI dislike knitting with yarn that separates and splits. I like your pink beanie (?) - lovely bright colour. I do wish more people would wear bright colours in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI love colour. Hated it when having to wear business clothes could only find winter things in sombre colours. Made my own!
DeleteI can understand your frustration with those yarns that won't slide along or split and break. I've had a few cheap ones here. You've got γαϊδούρινη (donkey) patience to persevere. I love to crochet but don't like crocheted garments so much either. It fills in winter evenings nicely
ReplyDeleteIt's knitting season here every night. We are back to Irish monsoon season.
ReplyDeleteJ must be very productive. My attendance on my yarn work is sporadic.
DeleteLucky you finding any sort of yarn in an op shop. Crafters here don’t seem to be donating any of theirs at all. I’m curious to know what colours you end up making that fabulous fair isle jumper in. Top down- in the round - there’ll be no purling to ‘worry’ about…..way to go!
ReplyDeleteYour crocheted cardi will have a hippy ‘new earth’ look to it…..add a long flowing skirt and sandals and you’ll look the part.
I was thinking denim skirt but I might be redirected by your style advice. Never thought of myself as new earth and would have to grow my hair (which is currently No 2 clippered)
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell... Blogger ensured I was at the end of the 'postie' line! A day late to find your lovely display of current stitching projects! I wonder if that variegated DK might be a 'reclaimed' bundle - previously used and unravelled? I've had that 'sticky' trouble with something of that sort. The Drops pattern is gorgeous - can't wait to see that when it gets done. I've used Drops yarns and find them lush and luxurious, but no reason not to recyle as well - quite a lot of the yarns being used for my Timelines Dupatta WIP were charity store finds! YAM xx
The hospice shop has a volunteer like my grandmother - unravels woen out or unfashionable jumpers to recover useable yarn. Trouble is this one doesn't wash to removed the kinks so I will have to skein it all again and wash it before reusing it. Drops make lively yarns but not particularly hard-wearing and inclined to pill rather badly. They are not, however, expensive and I used to buy large quantities from The Wool Warehouse.
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