Knitopolis

SKIF Part Deux

I really wanted to knit "Neptune" next, but I love this swatch.  I don't think this yarn combination will yield Neptune's drapey neckline, therefore, I will knit "Jess", because I have to use this yarn combination. 

One strand of Habu Shosenshi Paper in black, one strand of A-33 laceweight merino, and one strand of A-32D silk mohair hand-dyed kasrui in the color "Inky".

Casting on--tonight?

Zena Redux

Oh, fiddledy-dee.  The post below was supposed to be saved as a draft. 

Oh, well.

A few details regarding deviations to the pattern:

• After several attempts, I gave up trying to make the collar by picking up the stitches on each side.  It just looked messy.  I had even knitted several inches of the back before deciding to rip back and simply re-knit the back of the collar as a separate flap and then seam the three parts together later.
• I did not use the larger needle on the sleeves, as directed, nor did I switch to a smaller needle for the last 4 inches.
• I knitted the sleeves with the knit side, rather than the purl side called for in the pattern.
• Also, I knitted the sleeves flat because I my circs weren't flexible enough to magic loop and I wasn't into DPNs.
• The sides and sleeves were joined with invisible seams using a sportweight yarn from the stash that had similar colors.

The result is a simpler Zena and simplicity works very well with the Habu yarn.  The fabric is very open and drapey, but the fuzziness of the mohair fills in the open spaces of the stitches quite nicely. 

Although I made a few changes and had battles with the wording, the pattern is fabulous and just a little brilliant given how the front and back are knit in one piece.  It was challenging, but rewarding.

And the sweater itself?  I've already worn it twice.  I do believe Zena is going to be a favorite.

Lastly, I wanted to acknowledge my shamelessly Nora-esque photos (not that they succeed, no one shows off the beauty of yarn and stitches quite like Nora).

Zena

Zena by SKIF International.

Knitted with Habu Textiles A-33 2/48 Merino Wool, one strand each of black and a light olive green, plus one strand of Habu handpainted silk/mohair in green.

These photos don't do the Habu yarn justice.   There's a depth to the color of the handpainted silk/mohair that I can't seem to capture.  Nor, is the lovely halo evident.  And, no photo could capture the fuzzy silky coziness.

Fin!

I finished seaming Zena last night.

Now if I could get a decent photo...

1 Sleeve 2 Go

Not too exciting to see, but I'm a bit psyched because I knitted the last half the the first sleeve continental style!  I was getting frustrated with how slowly this project has been going and thought I should give continental another try.  I watched a very clear tutorial on YouTube, but the technique was completely awkward for me.  So, I just sat there experimenting it until a found a way to make it work for my hands--which turned out very different from what I saw in the tutorial.  At first, I could only do it on the knit rows, but, eventually, I found I could purl, as well.  I think it would take some getting used to, but it's obvious that I could greatly increase my knitting speed, which would be wonderful.  It feels so alien, though.

Ahead of myself...

I'm nearly to the point of starting the armhole shaping on the front of Zena, but I'm already thinking ahead to Neptune.

Soon, my preetties, we weel swatch.

Beginning...

I'm a few inches into Zena. 

I wish I could knit faster.

(Cross-posted on the SKIF KAL blog)

(and LOOK, a SKIF Flickr group!)

Habu Swatches

For days, I've been scheming in my head over what yarn to use for my SKIF patterns.   Finally, I decided to see if I could do any swatching from my small Habu stash.  I picked out some linen paper, silk-mohair, and laceweight merino--just using the colors I had on hand--and knitted a couple of small rectangles on US9 needles (why US9?--they're the only ones I could find--grrrrr....  I have no idea where all my needles are hiding, but I digress...). 

First, a strand each of black merino, green silk mohair, and natural linen paper.

Granted, it's a bit of a odd combination, but I simply adore the results.  Oh, and It looks so much better in person, trust me.  My five-year-old camera has not been performing well lately. 

Anyway, I think this would be good for Neptune.  It's very light, quite warm, and has a beautiful halo--not that you can see that, nor the beautiful colors in silk mohair yarn.  The fabric is slightly crisp, but it drapes far more than I thought it would.  The paper is a bit scratchy, but I'm hoping it will relax over time. I like the color combination, but, ultimately, I want to go with darker tones--a blue/black theme--charcoal , ink silk-mohair, and either black, blue, or green merino.

Second, two strands of merino--one black, one light olive--and one strand of green silk mohair.

I like this swatch very much--definitely for Zena.  I love the feel of it. I can't stop fondling it--I'm like Lobo in Bride of the Monster.

I'll probably cast-on Zena in the next day or two.  I'll be going out on a limb since I don't have enough of the green silk mohair on hand, but keeping in the spirit of SKIF, I'm not going to worry about that.

(Cross-posted on the SKIF KAL blog)

Neptune and Zena are here!

Ooooh--the SKIF patterns have arrived! They're a fun read, I won't spoil it everyone by posting too much information.

And what are those envelopes?

The Neptune pattern includes three industrial-style metal buttons, a tiny metal SKIF tag, and some stiff waxed cord for making the button closures. The pattern is started at the bottom front edge and worked to the bottom back (sleeves are worked separately).

The Zena pattern includes the SKIF tag and an industrial found object that you can flip over and attach to your finished sweater. Zena is worked similarly to Neptune, from the bottom front to the bottom of the back (although not continuously).

The patterns are very graphic; simple, but with a twist. They are designed for a worsted gauge (US8 needles), however, the knitter is encouraged to get the gauge by combining multiple strands of linen, silk, cotton, or merino. The ethos of SKIF appears to encompass playfulness, discovery, and utility.

Now, I want to see the other two patterns.

On to the swatches! 

(Cross-posted at the SKIF KAL)

It had to happen...

The SKIF KAL is here.

It's weird--I'm looking forward to knitting the patterns myself, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how others will interpret them.