Sunday, May 14, 2006

Lucky Number 14

[x-posted at Two Pointy Sticks]

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you, everyone, for all your kind words about the Provence pics. I love looking at them, too. And yes, Kristen, it's probably just as beautiful as you imagine it -- I can tell you it always exceeds my expectations. Those of you who have been lucky enough to spend more than a week there, how I envy you!

The only thing keeping me from being too nostalgic has been to finish the #14 lace v-neck pullover from VK by Kim Kotary.



I didn't use the recommended yarn, but instead substituted with 6 skeins of Mont Blanc (100% cashmere) in Young Fawn, US 6 / 4mm needles, and a size E crochet hook. The Mont Blanc was right on gauge and there was no need to double up the yarn. Thanks to my friend V and the gals at Woolplay, I learned how to crochet properly specifically for this project -- and it is so worth the effort. And best of all, in cashmere it is fabulously soft and warm, like a hug that stays with you all day!

With 5 skeins, I got this far...



... and was tempted to stop there because it looked lovely as it was. But I decided to press on with an extra skein and I'm glad I did. The result is even better than I had imagined!

And just because I can, here are a few extra detail shots.







Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Jackie's Clapotis in Orion

[x-posted at Two Pointy Sticks]

Jackie from North Carolina sent some terrific photos of her Clapotis for which she used 3 skeins of Estelle (100% cashmere) in Orion.







Read her entertaining play-by-play Clapotis adventure during the Knitting Olympics here and the Flickr photoset from start to finish.

She writes:

This yarn was an absolute dream to knit with--I love love love how patternless it was and the consistency of the color. Not to mention the softness!!! I followed your suggestion and threw the finished product into the dryer for a few minutes after I ironed it (no blocking needed!)--the fluffing made all the difference, too.

Jackie, thank you! And thanks for sharing your photos!