Faith
We're in the 'wait, what's going on here? Are you sure this is right?' stage of the project. But if my swatches can be trusted (and they usually can), this is going to be marvelous in a few more rounds. We're going to have to talk about yarn floofiness soon (that thing some magic yarns do where they puff up and become even more cohesive after blocking). This yarn has exceptional floofiness, and it's a topic that needs to be explored. But first, a few more rounds... Oh, and if you're wondering, the yarn is Blend 1 from Ysolda. Which [...]
That was quick
This was supposed to make the snow stop. The traditional approach is 'it's snowing, I'm cold, oh I know, I'll knit something, oh look spring came long before I finished the knitting.' It's usually foolproof. But not so much this time. I started it Saturday, finished it Monday, blocked it this week (still loving the lampshade approach to blocking cowls), and still the snow hasn't melted. So maybe the final step is to show it off here. Perhaps that will take care of it. I do note that the forecast today puts the temps well above freezing!
Uncharacteristic
This is not like me. Not at all. It's thick yarn (Capella by SpaceCadet). It's huge needles. It's bright colors. It's a very mellow, unstructured cable. This is more or less the complete opposite of my normal approach. And I'm more or less smitten. I'll be over here petting the pretty. Try not to be too jealous.
Extras
There was just enough yarn left after I finished the first cowl that I couldn't quite justify letting it go to waste. So I figured I'd play a nail-biting game of yarn chicken and see if I could squeak a shorter cowl out of what I had left. Totally worked! Much more of a 'light chill' version (as compared to the first one's 'arctic blast' rating), but still totally the sort of thing that lives happily in a coat pocket for when you find yourself wanting a little something warm. Oh and if you've been waiting, Changeful will be available [...]
Second Verse
I did have to break into the second skein to finish up the first cowl. But I didn't really need much of it at all, which left me feeling like I should make a second, smaller piece as well. I wasn't feeling the cuff vibe (the yarn is a bit thick for that). And lovely thought that stitch is, it's not really inclined to be a hat. So I thought I'd see if I couldn't do a second cowl, just at the other end of the size range. It's a slight variation on the same stitch (amazing what happens if [...]
Ingenuity
The cowl is done. Let me be more specific. The first cowl is done. A second version of it is currently on my needles and fighting me, but we'll talk about that later. But the first cowl is done, which means it needed to be blocked. This is harder than you might think. The most obvious approach would be to pin it out flat. But that will give it a crease on each side where it's folded (not a big deal for a sweater, but annoying in a cowl). I considered stretching it over the dress form's shoulders and pinning [...]
Nearly
This needs about 8 more rows to be officially done. Which is, of course, very fitting, as it looks all set to warm up for the next few days. Given that I'd very much like the cruddy snow to finish melting off the driveway and sidewalks, I feel I have a civic duty to go ahead and finish this up. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Not Exciting
I'm not sure what it says about me that I continue to be amused by this. It's a tube. A very slightly tapered tube. But amused I am. And from what I can tell, one or two of you share my proclivity. Another day or two and I'll be done. Though I am playing yarn chicken (I have a second skein, but things will feel more tidy if this fits into one), which at least lends a bit of dramatic tension to the proceedings.
Blankie
I have been led to believe I am not supposed to actually walk around in public with a blanket wrapped around my shoulders. So I'm going to do the closest thing I can manage and still maintain my (marginal) level of social acceptability. I think that's a cowl. It's String Theory's Caper Aran (also known as one of my very favorite sock yarns ever) in Didgeridoo. And it's mine, and you can't have it. With any luck at all, just as soon as I finish it we'll get a thaw and I won't need it anymore.
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