A couple of months back I got bit with the knitting bug.
I always have a few projects laying around waiting for attention, but I had the urge to work on something easy and relaxing, and I recently purchased this lovely yarn. It's from Knitpicks and is called "Daydream." It is made out of a nylon mesh into which is blown alpaca fibers. It is unclear how the fiber will hold up over time, but it is really soft and a lot of fun to knit. There are a few sections of yarn that I came across that are not quite as full of the pink fibers as others, but once they are knitted, it's not very noticeable.
I found the pattern (The Vanilla Bean Turtleneck) while searching for a simple turtleneck design that would put the focus on the yarn.
It is knit from the top down, which is somewhat new to me. This is the first time, however, that the entire body, including the neckline, is worked in one piece. Which means the sweater starts to keep your lap warm as it starts to get larger!
The sleeves are knit after the body is worked (some are live stitches and a few get picked up). I used my double pointed needles for that portion, and circular needles for the remainder of the sweater.
I do agree with others that it is nice to be able to try the garment on as it is in process!
The directions were unlike any I have come across as far as increases and decreases and row numbers, but they worked just fine with a few extra stitch markers to keep things clear.
My swatch shrunk up more than any other yarn I have ever used and I was nervous that the shrinkage factor might not transfer from swatch to sweater with all the added weight when wet. I will mention that this yarn is incredibly lightweight provided it is not logged with water.
But I plowed ahead because it had to be done.
Thankfully, the sweater shrunk down almost exactly as expected. Interestingly enough, it did not really shrink in length.
This silhouette is a bit different than I normally go for and very easy fitting, but I am very happy with this.
I forgot how much I like turtlenecks, and I am going to have to remedy that.
But for now, I am pleased to have added this lady to the collection.
Beautiful sweater and terrific color!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love this sweater! The luscious color, the generous styling of the turtleneck and length almost makes it worth a few more weeks of snow and winter. Almost....Thanks for being so generous to share your work.
ReplyDeleteMuy bonito y el color precioso, has hecho un gran trabajo. BESICOS.
ReplyDeleteLovely!!! And I'm sure lovely on you as well!
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ReplyDeleteAlright Laura Mae, you've outdone the outdoing of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThe oversized turtleneck is a smaller portrait collar, if you will, and certain to frame your face to a stunning effect. How you can take what is essentially a pile of string and create a drool-worthy garment, well, that's the wonder of you. How I can carry-on and complain for over a decade, well, that's the wonder of me.
Now, if you pose in a window seat, with pencils holding a messy bun in place, eyeglasses at hairline, peeping over the top of a hardcover book, with one knee bent, and one leg straight with pointed toes - I'll just scream! And no fair utilizing the modeling skills of that mother of yours.
I just binge-read all of your blog posts since that black and red couture cherry dress over the week, and I must say I am very impressed with the quality of your work, your patience and sheer skills! I came here for haute couture techniques but I stayed for all the finishing and fitting perfection. Cheers from France!
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