This is, I guess, inspired by this pattern: tychus from Knitty.com. I didn’t actually read the pattern, but I looked at the picture and thought, “How clever! I can do that!” I think it’s a really nice design, and once you see how the construction works, it just falls into place. I will probably make some more of these in the future, I like how the pattern works.
I used some Knitpicks Shine in Orchid and Blush. This will be for my new niece, who was born in June. I don’t think her mommy reads my blog, so hopefully the present won’t be spoiled.
I like the yarn too. It’s a little nicer than straight cotton, meaning it has a little give to it so it doesn’t feel like you are getting a workout when you are knitting with it. I only wish it came in black and white in addition to the colors that they do have. I have a perfect idea in mind for one more baby gift for a friend due in February, but I need black and white. I will probably be able to find another brand of sports weight cotton in black and white, but I like to use the same yarn so that it all behaves the same in the garment.
This one is for my new nephew, born in July. He lives in the Seattle area, so I made him some mittens too. He’s new, so he doesn’t need thumbs on his mittens yet. These are knitted in Knitpicks Elegance in Cornflower and Grass. Elegance is a Baby Alpaca and Silk blend, and knits up beautifully. I put a little loop at the top so if the parents decide to wash the hat it can be hooked by the loop to air dry. His mom doesn’t read the blog either, I don’t think. I guess I’ll find out when I finally get to meet him and give him his present!
This yarn is really nice too. Much less hairy than the Andean Silk, so it doesn’t bother my eyes to use it. It feels nice and has a nice shine from the silk. I can see using this for a lightweight but warm cardigan in the future.
I hope that Knitpicks decides to add more colors to the basic lines they started out with. A lot of the shades are a bit… juvenile? They need some Rowan- or Debbie Bliss-like adult pastels. Then I think they will really have something. I did just order a mess o’ shade cards which I will bring to my local Stich and Bitch maybe next week. I am glad I didn’t notice the “buy all shades of this yarn” link when I was looking at the fingering wool yesterday. I might have gone a bit overboard. Besides, once I see the shade card, I am sure they will be happy to let me buy the sampler box.