Split (Spliced) Personality
After declaring last post that life fell nicely into themes, I now find myself dabbling all over the place - especially when it comes to my fibre hobbies. It's probably the usual September "re entry turbulence" that's got me chasing my tail but whatever the reason, I'm going in several different directions at once. What follows are some snapshots and random thoughts related to my fibre obsession:


On Yarn Diets:
I always said my stash was a form of insurance should I ever fall on hard times or make a large purchase that would require some (ahem) fiscal prudence. The recent acquisition of the new vehicle falls into this category so, I've been trying to fantasize about projects that can be made from stash.

On Things I Covet:
I had a chance to see a live in the "wool" sample of the Debbie Bliss Silver Belle sweater at the KW Knitter's Fair last weekend. It was STUNNING. The waist which I feared was to empire to not look at bit like maternity wear falls a bit lower than shown on the model so it's quite slimming. I have some BFL Fleece Artist in an ivory colourway that would be perfect.

I also have some O-wool balance that would be perfect to make the Cobblestone Pullover from the new IK for my DH. I've been knitting avidly for 12 years and have never made him a sweater. Although I'm inspired by the yarn and pattern, I'm not really an aficionado of dark colours like grey and black and I've purchased the graphite colour for this. It's what I know he will wear so I'm being thoughtful of the recipient. I'm itching to cast this one on!


I'm also loving the Tilted Duster from the new IK cover. It calls for a new Berroco yarn called Peruvia. Now, I did get to fondle the Peruvia at the fair and it has a hand spun sort of vibe to it. There's a bit of sheen and I wonder if it would be "splitty" to knit with. Instead of stashing up, I pulled out my Malabrigo and swatched on some amazing Lantern Moon needles made from Palm. The pattern calls for straight needles and when I asked on Ravelry why straights - the great Norah G herself answered that it was a carry-over from other pattern formats and not really necessary. I think I will do it on straights though. I love these needles and for some reason I like straight needles.





On Evie:
I've fallen hard for this design from Kim Hargreaves. She names her designs often using women's' names. This one is called Evie which was my mom's name and is my niece's name. I wish I could make it from stash. I have yarn that would work but this pattern only comes in a kit so I have to order the whole kit and caboodle. I'm thinking of destashing some Noro, Debbie Bliss and Jo Sharp that I have and know I won't knit. Stay tuned, I'll probably do a destashing post in the coming week. Don't you think the Universe wants me to have this kit?




This new design from Zephyr is called Juliet and it's darling too. This blogger is currently knitting it. She's also just made the tree jacket from Zephyr Style too which is really lovely.










On Self Control:
I was a good girl at the Knitter's Fair and only bought some roving made by Gypsy Girl Creations. It's an amazing super wash merino in a shade called Winter Solstice. I bought it from Michelle at Sweet Sheep and got some of her Sweet Socks yarn in a colourway called "After Midnight". It's great stuff and she's a delight to deal with.

On Duty Knitting:
I'm in the final stages of finishing my first knitted project from my own hand spun. It's a cabled scarf from a chocolate Alpaca. I used the modifications listed here for the Knitty Nagano Sakura scarf and the cherry blossoms are almost done. I'll be showing it at the Five Counties Fair this Saturday along with my guild. Our theme is Japan. This has been taking most of my time lately since I promised to contribute something knitted. The other items are all woven. I don't like knitting out of duty since it robs precious time from my dream projects but I'm sure I'll be glad it's part of the display.

There you have it. Random rambling from my currently frenzied life. It could have been pithier but that would have required all of my grey matter to show up for roll call.